Ben Pecora Named Kitsap Sports Council Director

The Kitsap Peninsula Visitors & Convention Bureau today named Ben Pecora as its Sports Council Director. The council is an arm of the KPVCB charged with enhancing the lives of peninsula residents while expanding tourism through sports and sporting events in the region.

Pecora comes to the directorship following a lengthy and diverse career in sports marketing, public relations, journalism, promotion and event management. Over the past 15 years he has overseen the growth and development of events ranging from grassroots to global in scope. His strengths center around an ability to work with a wide array of leaders and initiatives and have included service on behalf of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Diadora America, Seattle Sounders, United States Cycling Federation, Manchester United, Nike, United States Soccer Federation, Washington State Youth Soccer Association, Bainbridge Island Youth Soccer Association, Pacific Northwest Golf Association and The Hutch Award.

He has a long history of fundraising in the Northwest, including Children’s Hospital and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. He is a Northwest native and ten-year resident of Kitsap County.

Pecora has also dedicated a great deal of his career to child-related causes and has overseen, implemented and promoted high-profile regional events such as the Merrill Lynch Invitational charity golf tournament, the Hutch Award fundraising luncheon, the Pacific Northwest Golf Show and the USSSA Majors softball championship.

He regularly consults with organizations such as the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the Seattle Seahawks, the Seattle Supersonics and Qwest Stadium.

He is a successful volunteer youth coach in the sports of soccer, Little League baseball and Little League softball.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am about this position, the commitment of our area leaders and the Kitsap Peninsula as a whole. The upside is huge,” said Pecora from the

KPVCB offices. “I am a true believer in the possibilities of the region – we possess beauty, real resources, a dedicated base of sports leaders and strong political leadership.”

“Ben brings us great experience, contacts and energy to a post that has long been in our planning,” said KPVCB director Grant Griffin. “We’re lucky to have him on board and excited about the possibilities he brings.”

Pecora aims to bring an aggressive and inclusive leadership to sports groups and businesses while providing growth opportunities on the peninsula.

“We can do great things here,” said Pecora. “I already have several key initiatives in development which can provide immediate benefit and revenue to the region– it’s time to put the pedal to the metal.”