West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC) President Mike Guswiler was named Chief Executive of the Year by Sports ETA, the only trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, at its Chief Executive Summit in Fort Worth, Texas.
Guswiler is only the second person to receive this annual recognition and was selected by Sports ETA staff among sports tourism executives from 800 member organizations across the country.
“Mike is a true leader for the sports events and tourism industry and deserves this prestigious honor to recognize his leadership of the West Michigan Sports Commission as well as Sports ETA where he served as a former board member,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “We congratulate and thank him for his continued service and leadership.”
The Sports ETA Executive of the Year Award honors professional excellence of its members who embody visionary leadership, exhibit an unwavering dedication and make an enduring impact on their organization, the Sports ETA, and in the sports events and tourism industry. This annual award recognizes an individual who has set the standard for excellence, pushed the boundaries of what is possible, and consistently elevated the profession.
Guswiler has worked more than 30 years in the hospitality and tourism industry. He has led the WMSC since its inception in 2007, overseeing operations, the Meijer State Games of Michigan and Meijer Sports Complex, which the organization built, owns, operates, and is managing a $13.5 million expansion opening in 2026. Under his leadership, the commission has booked 1,328 events attracting over 2.4 million athletes and visitors, generating $738 million in visitor spending since 2007. Crain’s Grand Rapids Business named him one of the 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan in 2024 and 2023, and a 2023 Newsmaker of the Year. Mike served as a Sports ETA board member from 2010 to 2014.
