News Summary
Tracy Marek has been appointed as the chief marketing officer of the Lake Erie Crushers, a minor league baseball team. With an extensive background in sports marketing, Marek aims to enhance community relations and game-day experiences, expanding the team’s presence in Northeast Ohio. Formerly with the Cleveland Cavaliers, she brings a track record of success and accolades, including recognition from Forbes and Crain’s Cleveland Business. Marek’s focus will be on engaging fans and redefining the Crushers’ impact in the local sports landscape under new leadership.
Avon, Ohio – Tracy Marek has been appointed as the chief marketing officer of the Lake Erie Crushers, a minor league baseball team that plays in the Frontier League. This significant leadership change is aimed at enhancing the team’s community relations, elevating game-day experiences, and expanding the Crushers’ presence within Northeast Ohio.
Marek arrives at the Crushers with an extensive background in sports marketing, having spent 19 years with the Cleveland Cavaliers. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in overseeing various marketing initiatives, including brand development, fan engagement, digital strategy, and game entertainment. Under her leadership, the Cavaliers experienced 10 playoff runs and made five appearances in the NBA Finals. The peak of her career with the Cavaliers came when the team won the NBA Championship in 2016 and hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 2022.
Prior to her role at the Cavaliers, Marek was the first female CEO of U.S. Figure Skating, serving from 2022 until her resignation in October 2024. Her departure was intended to explore new opportunities, ultimately leading her to the Crushers. At the Crushers, she hopes to redefine the team’s future as a leading sports and entertainment attraction in the region.
Marek’s Accomplishments
Throughout her impressive career, Marek has received numerous accolades for her contributions to sports marketing. Notably, she was recognized as a 2023 Forbes Magazine 50 Over 50 Honoree, showcasing her influence and impact within her field. In 2019, she earned the Crain’s Cleveland Business C-Suite Award for Marketing and in 2016, she received the Sports Business Journal Game Changers Award.
Additionally, Marek has previously been honored as the WISE Cleveland Woman of the Year for Sports in 2015 and was named a Crain’s Cleveland Business Woman of Note in 2012. Early in her career, she was recognized as the Rawlings Midwest League Minor League Baseball Woman Executive of the Year in 2002. Her accolades reflect her significant contributions and leadership within the sports industry.
Future Goals
In her new role with the Lake Erie Crushers, Marek’s primary objectives will focus on expanding community connections and enhancing the overall game-day experience for fans. She will work towards broadening the team’s reach and engagement across Northeast Ohio, a region known for its passionate sports community. These initiatives are expected to help elevate the Crushers within the local sports landscape.
Leadership at the Crushers
The Crushers were recently acquired in March 2024 by a local investor group led by former Cavaliers CEO Len Komoroski. Komoroski has expressed enthusiasm about bringing Marek on board, highlighting her unmatched passion for engaging fans. With this new leadership structure, the Crushers aim to not only succeed on the field but also become a prominent entertainment venue for the community.
Background on the Lake Erie Crushers
The Lake Erie Crushers, a minor league baseball team based in Avon, Ohio, are part of the Frontier League. The franchise has been operational for several years and continues to attract fans with its engaging marketing, community involvement, and competitive spirit. With Marek’s experience and vision, the Crushers are set to embark on an exciting journey towards redefining their impact in the sports and entertainment sector.
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Additional Resources
- Morning Journal: Tracy Marek Named Lake Erie Crushers Chief Marketing Officer
- Wikipedia: Sports Marketing
- Crain’s Cleveland Business: Former U.S. Figure Skating CEO Tracy Marek Joins Crushers
- Google Search: Tracy Marek
- Sports Travel Magazine: Tracey Marek Resigns as U.S. Figure Skating CEO
- Google Scholar: Sports Leadership
- Morning Journal: Lorain’s Garfield Elementary Receives Bev Lizanich Innovation Award
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Minor League Baseball
- Morning Journal: Avon’s Wilbur Cahoon House Museum Opens for Season
- Google News: Lake Erie Crushers
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