Graham Welsh

Background

About Graham Welsh

I am a dedicated sports management and recreation operations leader with an MBA in Recreation & Sports Management from the University of New Brunswick and over 15 years of experience in event coordination, venue operations, and program execution. I specialize in facility management, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and large-scale program implementation. My career has focused on leading highly skilled teams, optimizing logistics, and driving innovation in recreation and sports programming. I am passionate about creating inclusive recreation opportunities, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering community engagement. SPORTS & RECREATION OPERATIONS • Venues Manager at JAM Group, overseeing 350+ leagues and tournaments across Ontario, Manitoba, and Michigan • Manage a $4M+ facility budget, securing partnerships with municipalities, school boards, and private venue operators • Lead venue acquisition, contract negotiations, and facility operations to ensure seamless program execution • Spearhead strategic planning, risk management, and scheduling optimization to enhance program accessibility and efficiency • Oversee a team responsible for venue logistics, customer experience, and issue resolution for league operations FACILITY & EVENT MANAGEMENT • 15+ years of experience coordinating large-scale sporting events, professional tournaments, and community programs • Extensive background in facility scheduling, permit applications, and contract management • Strong partnerships with national sports organizations, city recreation departments, and multi-sport leagues • Managed international events, including Tennis Canada tournaments and Baseball Nova Scotia championships BUDGETING, STRATEGY & LEADERSHIP • Successfully managed multi-million-dollar budgets, ensuring financial sustainability and resource optimization • Experience supervising full-time staff, part-time employees, and volunteers in high-performance environments • Served on advisory committees and board of directors for sports organizations, contributing to policy development STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT • Built strong relationships with sports governing bodies, local municipalities, and community organizations • Advocated for recreation accessibility, sports development, and facility expansion initiatives • Experienced in public speaking, training workshops, and stakeholder presentations on recreation management