SUBJECT
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Confirm Appointment of Mr. Ryan Neal Duncan to serve as the Director of the Tourism and Sports Marketing Division.
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DESCRIPTION
The Polk County Charter specifies that the County Manager's appointment of Executive Service employees is subject to confirmation by the Board of County Commissioners.
The County Manager has appointed Mr. Ryan Neal Duncan as the next Director of the Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing Division, effective August 17, 2026.
With more than 26 years of experience in tourism, sports marketing, destination development, and community engagement, Mr. Duncan has the leadership experience in promoting Polk County as a premier destination for leisure travel and sporting events.
Mr. Duncan began his career with the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce in 2000 as the Director of Membership & Special Events. In this role, he led membership development, managed community events, strengthened partnerships with local governments, businesses and civic organizations, and supported tourism and economic development initiatives throughout the Bartow community.
In 2006, Mr. Duncan joined the Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing Division as the Senior Business Development Manager, where he led the Division's corporate sponsorship program, cultivated strategic partnerships, and supported destination marketing initiatives that contributed to Polk County's tourism and economic development efforts.
Since 2019, Mr. Duncan has served as the division’s Senior Sales & Events Manager. In this role, he has led the County's sports tourism program, managed major event recruitment efforts, coordinated partnerships with national governing bodies and local stakeholders, and helped position Polk County as a nationally recognized destination for sports tourism. His leadership has contributed to hundreds of sporting events generating significant economic impact to the community.
Mr. Duncan earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation & Sports Management from the Indiana State University. He has remained actively involved in the community through numerous leadership roles, including serving as President of the Bartow High School Athletic Booster Club, Vice President and Board Member of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame, and a member of the Florida Sports Foundation Summit Steering Committee. His contributions to the tourism industry have also been recognized through the Sports Events and Tourism Association’s 2025 Sports Tourism Organization of the Year Award.
RECOMMENDATION
Madam Chair/Members of the Board, I look forward to Mr. Duncan's continued leadership in advancing tourism, promoting economic development, and enhancing Polk County's reputation as a premier destination for visitors, sporting events, and community partnerships. As such, I recommend the Board confirm my appointment of Neal Duncan as the next Director of the Tourism & Sports Marketing Division, effective August 17, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Tourism & Sports Marketing Director is an authorized position in the adopted budget, and existing appropriations are sufficient to cover the negotiated annual base salary of $146,000.14 and employment benefits at approximately $40,641.00.
CONTACT INFORMATION
William Beasley
County Manager
863-534-6444
billbeasley@polkfl.gov