The Detroit Sports Commission (DSC) has announced a leadership transition to build on its legacy of success and position the organization for future growth.
Marty Dobek, previously DSC’s deputy director, has been promoted to executive director, succeeding Dave Beachnau, who will take on the role of CEO for the Detroit Local Organizing Committee (DLOC) for the 2027 NCAA Men’s Final Four.
This leadership transition strengthens the DSC’s ability to build on its proven success, ensuring Detroit remains a leading destination for attracting premier sporting events that drive economic growth and foster meaningful community impact.
In his new role, Dobek will oversee all facets of the DSC’s operations, including national sales efforts, event bidding and hosting, management of the Detroit Sports Organizing Corp. advisory committee, and staff leadership. Throughout his more than 13 years at the DSC, Dobek has played a pivotal role in elevating Detroit’s reputation as a top-tier sports destination. Most recently, he served as the primary liaison to the NFL for the record-breaking 2024 NFL Draft, which drew more than 775,000 attendees to downtown Detroit and generated an estimated $213.6 million in economic impact. Dobek’s leadership ensured cohesive coordination among key stakeholders, including Visit Detroit, the city of Detroit, the Detroit Lions, and state and local partners.
“Marty’s promotion to executive director is a natural and well-earned progression,” says Beachnau. “His ability to cultivate partnerships, execute large-scale events, and maintain a strategic vision makes him the ideal leader to take DSC into its next phase. His leadership will ensure we continue to attract world-class events while delivering meaningful benefits to the community.”
Beachnau, who has led DSC since its founding in 2001, now will focus on guiding Detroit’s preparations for the 2027 NCAA Men’s Final Four. As CEO of the DLOC, he will be responsible for oversight in the coordination of various local aspects of planning and execution, working closely with NCAA Men’s Basketball leadership in ensuring Detroit delivers an exceptional championship experience. While shifting away from DSC’s daily operations, Beachnau will continue serving as executive vice president of Visit Detroit, where DSC remains under his oversight.
“The Detroit Sports Commission’s strong leadership continuity and evolution enhances our region’s ability to attract major sporting events,” says Arn Tellem, vice vhairman for the Detroit Pistons and founding member of the Detroit Sports Organizing Corp. “The DSC has been blessed with great leadership, and through Marty Dobek’s strong, ongoing relationships with key sporting event decision makers, national governing bodies and other sports organizations, they will continue to place the DSC at a position of strength when bidding for events.
“Dave Beachnau’s extensive experience will pay dividends as he leads the local organizing committee for the 2027 NCAA Men’s Final Four and continues his important work for Visit Detroit.”
Under Beachnau’s leadership, the DSC has secured and hosted a memorable lineup of high-profile sporting events, including the 2004 Ryder Cup, the 2005 MLB All-Star Game, Super Bowl XL, the 2009 NCAA Men’s Final Four, the 2010 NCAA Frozen Four, and the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in 2007 and 2022. His efforts also brought the AAU Junior Olympic Games to Detroit in 2003, 2008, and 2013 in addition to the NCAA Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds in 2018 and the 2024 NCAA Men’s Midwest Basketball Regional.
“Promoting Marty Dobek to executive director and transitioning Dave Beachnau to lead the 2027 NCAA Men’s Final Four Local Organizing Committee demonstrates the depth of talent, collaboration and passionate commitment among the Detroit Sports Commission team,” says Claude Molinari, president and CEO of Visit Detroit. “Their longtime leadership underscores the Sports Commission’s organizational cohesiveness and sets us apart as a trusted partner for governing bodies and event owners. These moves will continue to position Detroit as a premier sports and entertainment destination and build upon our momentum from an incredible 2024 NFL Draft.”
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