
NORFOLK, Va., December 11, 2018 – The Board of Directors of the Hampton Roads Sports Commission welcomed Robert “Bob” Pizzini as the non-profit’s new chair at the Hampton Roads Chamber’s annual meeting on December 6, 2018.
Pizzini is the Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of iFLY Va Beach Indoor Skydiving. He began to develop iFLY Va Beach Indoor Skydiving in 2010, bringing this multimillion dollar technologically advanced experience to Virginia Beach in 2015. In 2018, iFLY Va Beach was awarded the Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year.
Robert retired from the U.S. Navy in 2010 after 26 years of service as a Diver, Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician, and EOD Officer. Upon retirement from active duty he was an Associate with R3 Strategic Support Group from 2010-2015 where he managed various client portfolios advancing the government’s ability to combat terrorism.
Robert maintains various professional affiliations including membership in the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, the Va Beach Chamber of Commerce Executive Board of Directors, and the Virginia Beach Hotel Association Legislative Affairs Committee. Robert chairs the Navy Special Operations Foundation Advisory Board and coaches youth hockey and baseball.
Pizzini joins the HRSC board of directors as the fourth chair, following John Wilson, Greg Scifres and Steve Romine. He has been an active member of the Hampton Roads Chamber Virginia Beach Division and currently holds the position on the Hampton Roads Chamber board as Vice Chair of Sports.
“I am highly energized by joining the board and eager to advance all sporting initiatives in Hampton Roads,” stated Bob Pizzini.
Pizzini understands the sports tourism industry and its impact on Hampton Roads. Pizzini established US Indoor Skydiving (USIS) to be the National Governing Body on behalf of the United States regarding the international sport of indoor skydiving and currently serves as the Executive Director. Robert is also a USA Hockey level 5 coach having achieved the highest level of coaching qualification with USA Hockey.
He is also very proud to mention that iFLY Virginia Beach hosted the US National Championship of indoor skydiving since inception in 2017. They will also host the 2019 US National Championship January 11-13, 2019.
“Bob’s passion for sport development and his understanding of the economic impact to our region that sports tourism offers is ideal for the continued advancement of the Hampton Roads Sports Commission,” said Wes Hall, Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Sports Commission. “We are privileged to have Bob serve in a position that will help guide our non-profit.”
Other board members completing the 15-member board include Bryan K. Stephens, Hampton Roads Chamber; Sylvia Haines, Hampton Roads Chamber; Jack Ankerson; Michael Barber, City of Chesapeake; Kelly Bridgeman, Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel; David Hartnett, Crenshaw, Ware and Martin; Nancy Helman, Virginia Beach Sports Marketing; Kimberly Kranz, CHKD; Anthony Mia, ESI; Dr. Lynn Ridinger, Old Dominion University Sports Management; John Rhamstine, City of Norfolk; Amy Rowley, Newport News Parks, Recreation and Tourism; Sue Snead, Optima Health; Mike Vigenski, Papa Johns
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About Hampton Roads Sports Commission
The Hampton Roads Sports Commission was formed in 1999 by community leaders to foster city cohesiveness and enhance the economy, image, and quality of life for the region by attracting, creating, and hosting high-caliber sporting events. The Sports Commission has generated more than $227 million in economic impact for the region since its inception. For more on the Hampton Roads Sports Commission, visit www.hamptonroadssports.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Wes Hall, HRSC Executive Director
[email protected]
757-664-2576