Our Team
Lance Kettering
Executive Director
Lance Kettering was named the Executive Director of the Springfield Sports Commission and Sports Sales Manager for the Convention & Visitors Bureau in March 2010.
Kettering and the Sports Commission team position Springfield as a quality destination for sporting events by actively soliciting new and repeat sports events for the city. Kettering is responsible for the management, marketing and operation of the Commission.
Recent departmental successes include the signing of the National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championships to a three-year commitment for 2012-2014 for Springfield, the development of a new website, new logo and the production of a new membership sales program as well as working with local sports entities in the bidding and securing of sporting events for the community. Kettering also served as Tournament Director for the 2010 NCAA Division II Women's Golf Super Regional at Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield.
Prior to being named Executive Director of the Sports Commission, Kettering spent most of his professional work experience at Missouri State University.
From 2007-2010, Kettering served as the Director of Corporate Relations and Marketing with the Missouri State athletics department. Kettering oversaw the corporate sponsorship and marketing program, including the transition of the sponsorship program from Hammons Student Center to JQH Arena.
Kettering oversaw the video board production team and elements at athletics venues including Hammons Field, Plaster Sports Complex and JQH Arena. He coordinated marketing projects and game-day operations for athletics, including the popular BearFest Village. Kettering also served as the trademark licensing coordinator for Missouri State University.
From 1999-2007, Kettering served as the Assistant Director of Athletics Development. Kettering coordinated marketing and promotions efforts, print projects, sponsorship sales, sponsorship activation and fulfillment. Kettering was part of the team that coordinated the opening of Hammons Field in 2004. Kettering has also volunteered at numerous NCAA Basketball Championships with the Missouri Valley Conference.
From 1998-99, Kettering started his career with Missouri State as the Assistant Director of Athletics Development/Hammons Student Center and Plaster Sports Complex. In addition to sponsorship sales duties, he worked as the assistant facilities director at Hammons Student Center and Plaster Sports Complex.
In the summer of 1996, Kettering worked fulltime with the 1996 Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Kettering served as a Logistic Coordinator at the Georgia Dome, the home venue of gymnastics, basketball and team handball.
Kettering obtained his Master of Business Administration from Missouri State in 1997 while working as a Graduate Assistant at Hammons Student Center. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing in 1996 also from Missouri State, while working in the athletics department as a student.
Year after year, I am most impressed with the support and interest in the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions. This annual basketball showcase is truly a Springfield tradition that generations of fans mark their calendar for each year!
What is your most memorable moment in Springfield Sports?I could mention quite a few, but one was the fan fervor of the 2001 Missouri State Women's Basketball Final Four Season. You couldn't script it any better, MSU had the nation's all-time career scoring leader in Jackie Stiles. The Final Four was held just 3 hours up the road in St. Louis. It was a very exciting time.
Most inspiring sports experience in Springfield?Recently, I have had the opportunity to be involved and witness the Special Olympics State Summer Games. The opening ceremonies are very inspiring. It is rewarding to watch these athletes compete in the true spirit of sports.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?This is an easy question! I enjoy coaching my son's youth baseball team at one of Springfield's youth baseball complexes! Our weekly challenges on the mini-golf courses are also fun! I also enjoy watching my son learn how to skate and play hockey at Mediacom Ice Park.
What would you say are your most rewarding work experiences?As a general statement, I would have to say that developing relationships with all of those in our community over the years. I have been blessed to meet and work with so many great business and athletics leaders in the community. Springfield has a strong community of sports minded and supportive individuals.
As far as a specific Springfield experience, I would have to say being a part of the team at Missouri State that planned and opened Hammons Field in 2004. A lot of hard work and dedication went into the planning of the facility and the events of that season. I will never forget the long hours and detail we spent working to make it memorable event for Springfield and Missouri State.
One of my favorite work experiences was working at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games at the Georgia Dome, in Atlanta, Georgia. It was a phenomenal experience to be a part of the world's largest celebration of sports. The experiences and people I met are too numerous to mention. The spirit of the games and the melting pot of different cultures and nationalism was amazing.
Most prized piece of sports memorabilia?2003 College World Series ring. By far this is my most prized possession! Nothing compares to the experience that I garnered in 2003 working with the coaching staff of Keith Guttin, Brent Thomas, Paul Evans and Director of Athletics Bill Rowe. Traveling and following the 2003 baseball post-season run for those three weeks with my friends and family in June 2003 rank as one of my favorite moments in sports.
What sports items do you collect?I have a pretty good collection of Olympic Pins, most of which are from 1996, but I do have some from 1984 and 1980, including, what I understand is a rare Sam the Eagle Coca-Cola bottle pin.
What is your favorite sports movie?Miracle. Someday, I would like to take a tour of Lake Placid and play the YouTube video of Herb Brooks' (from the movie Miracle) inspirational speech that he gave in the locker room before the game vs. the Soviet Union.
Excluding Sports in Springfield, what are some other sports related activities you enjoy?Although, I have lived in Springfield all but six months since 1992, I still have some "upper Midwest" in me! I am a big fan of the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. I also enjoy attending the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.
Sheila Fish
Assistant Director
Sheila Fish was named the Assistant Director of the Springfield Sports Commission in May 2012. As a participant and spectator of sports throughout her life, Fish understands the importance of sporting events for character, team and community building.
Fish's focus is to increase visibility of the Commission by focusing on member relations, sales, event implementation and marketing. Increasing membership opportunities, working with current Sports Commission members and seeking new members are a few of her primary responsibilities. Fish also assists the Sports Commission's Executive Director in soliciting new and repeat sports events for the city of Springfield.
Prior to being named Assistant Director of the Sports Commission, Fish received most of her professional work experience from local nonprofit groups by creating and implementing marketing strategies in the online and offline arenas.
From 2010 to 2012, Fish used her skills to fulfill roles in communication, sales and marketing. A proficiency in social media allowed her to create social media plans for Harmony House and James River Basin Partnership. Fish also served as a sales and marketing assistant for Coventry Health Care during the time period, and furthered consumer relations at Nixa Public Schools through newsletter and website media.
June 2009 is when Fish found her passion for community, travel and tourism. For sixth months at Friends of the Zoo, Fish maintained social media, published articles and assisted with events like "Ball of the Wild" and "Dickerson Park Zoo Halloween Spooktacular." Later that year, Fish and Missouri State peers planned The Discovery Center of Springfield's "Parents' Night Out." Fish continues to volunteer for Dickerson Park Zoo and other organizations in the community.
Fish obtained her Master of Arts in Communication from Drury in 2012, and Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations in 2010 from Missouri State. Fish held the Missouri Beta Club Scholarship as well as the Missouri Department of Higher Education Bright Flight Scholarship while attending Missouri State.
Baseball season comes around every year, and it's definitely a tradition to not miss out on food, friends and fun. The weather and atmosphere scream that sunny days are almost here and it is definitely my favorite tradition to attend Springfield Cardinals games.
What is your most memorable moment in Springfield Sports?My most memorable moment in Springfield Sports would be when Missouri State became the 2011 Men's Basketball MVC Champions. It was crazy to watch the fans storm the floor and the excitement was definitely contagious.
Most inspiring sports experience in Springfield?The Betty and Bobby Allison Miracle League Ball Field just recently opened, giving children in the Springfield area with disabilities the opportunity to play Miracle League baseball. Attending games not only shows that you support the children and their families, but you leave with a feeling of strength to overcome any obstacle in your life.
What is your favorite Springfield sports activity?I have to go back to summer, my favorite season, and the start of baseball and softball season. Many of my friends play softball at the Summers at the River Sports Complex in Nixa. Although softball is not my forte, it is fun to go to the games cheer for the team.
What is your favorite sports movie?Bull Durham. I really like seeing the story behind the game and understanding how personal struggles and superstition can affect other facets of your life. Life is a mental game. It's interesting to see how your relationship with your team members affects your performance – which I feel is a great life lesson.
I would consider myself a Chiefs and Cardinals fan. Attending Cardinals and Chiefs games are some of the best times I've had. I played volleyball throughout elementary, middle and high school. So any time that volleyball is incorporated into an activity – a simple game with friends or something more professional – I'm in.