This week, as Greater Lansing and the entire country celebrates women and girls in sports, we’re excited to feature Meghan Ziehmer, Executive Director of the Lansing Sports Commission.
We first met Meghan last year at the inaugural FIERCE Women in Sports event, and it didn’t take long to see why she’s such a powerful force in Greater Lansing. Meghan is confident, driven, and deeply passionate about this community, and her leadership is a big reason we continue to see a growing number of national sporting events choosing Greater Lansing as their host city.
With National Girls and Women in Sports Day happening this Wednesday, it feels especially fitting to highlight Meghan. She is a true leader in the sports world while also balancing life with her family of four, and she does it with authenticity, purpose, and heart.
This week also marks two exciting opportunities to celebrate women and girls in sports. The second annual FIERCE Women in Sports event takes place this Wednesday, followed by the inaugural FIERCE Girls in Sports event this Saturday. We encourage our community to attend, support, and be part of these inspiring events that continue to shape the future of sports in Greater Lansing.
Welcome to Greater Lansing Area Moms, Meghan. We’re honored to share your story and truly admire the impact you continue to make in our community💚
Welcome Meghan! Please introduce yourself, where are you from, where do you reside now, where you went to school, etc? Please give us an overview of all things, Meghan!
I was originally from Dexter, Michigan but came to Michigan State for school and never left the region. I currently reside in Grand Ledge with my husband of 15 years, our 4 children and our pup Zoe. I’m the oldest of 4 girls but also have 5 bonus sisters and 1 brother. I come from a large family and I wouldn’t have it any other way, I fully embrace the chaos. When I’m not working, I love spending time outside exploring, camping, and engaging in sports with my family. I especially enjoy watching my kids as they pave their own paths in the sports world.
How old are your children?
I have 4 children – 2 boys and 2 girls – 13, 11, 5 and 2
Where did you and your husband meet? Or a first date if local?
I met my husband through my older sister. We are both MSU grads but didn’t cross paths on campus while we were both in school. Our first date was at Champs way back before they tore it down and built Art & Jakes.
What do you think is one of the best parts about being a mom?
Having the opportunity to watch your children grow into who they are meant to be and pave their own path through their own curiosity. Seeing the world through your children’s eyes is a constant reminder of the magic of the small things.
What is a piece of advice for new moms you wish you would have known when you were a new mom?
Trust your gut. A mother’s intuition is powerful and real. You know your baby and yourself better than anyone else ever will. No matter the noise or opinions around you, you will figure it out and build what works best for you and your family. Don’t let anyone take that confidence away from you. Believe in yourself.
You are the Executive Director of the Lansing Sports Commission! Can you share a little about LSC, how you became involved and what your role as Executive Director involves?
I nannied for four kids and coached figure skating through college at what is now Biggby Coffee Ice Cube East Lansing and while coaching assisted the skating director and Lansing Skating Club with the event logistics for their ice shows and local competitions. As graduation quickly approached my skating director was trying to assist me with what came next and I shared my love for event management and operations. He told me I should talk to John Young at the Greater Lansing Sports Authority (our former name) and so I reached out. When John wouldn’t respond I dove head first into researching all I could about the GLSA and began volunteering for events that they were hosting to immerse myself into the organization and the sports industry.
After a few failed attempts at getting in contact with John including applying for an internship, I randomly got a call one day from John informing me that there had been a change of staffing with their intern position and asked if I was still interested, which of course I was. I went in for what I thought was an interview and it happened to be my first day on the job. Unbeknownst to me the connections that I had made through my volunteer work with the Lansing Skating Club had people calling in recommendations on my behalf. I started as an intern in May of 2009, got hired full time as the Sports Events Manager in October of 2009, elevated to Associate Director in 2016 and then promoted to Executive Director in January of 2023.
The mission of the Lansing Sports Commission is to be the leading voice of sports tourism for the Greater Lansing region to help boost economic impact and the quality of life for local area residents through sport. In a nutshell, I lead our team to develop strategies for promoting Greater Lansing as a sports destination and work to attract events to our region. I have the opportunity to support sports organizations of all shapes and sizes across the region as they host events and then work to sell events right holders like USA Archery, U.S. Figure Skating, NCAA, etc to select Greater Lansing for their next event. Our team works to not only support events going on in the region but many times we are the ones in the trenching actually coordinating all of the event logistics.
What does a typical day look like for you—if there is such a thing?
One of the reasons that I love my job so much is that each and every day is different. Some days I am simply sitting at my desk tending to email and putting together strategy. Other days I am slammed and tied in meetings with community partners including our facility owners, sports organizations, University partners, or events rightsholders. At times I get to be on campus at Michigan State University giving back to my alma mater and have the opportunity to help shape the next generation of sports industry leaders and then on occasion we are setting up and onsite at events from regional championships to national championships. Other times I have the opportunity to fuel another passion of mine, and I will spend my lunch hour with a group of women who all work in sports, health and recreation to help build a community of like-minded individuals all working to support one another. The beauty of my job is that we get to collaborate with so many amazing people across the region and each and every day is truly so unique.
How does the LSC help bring sports and events to our area, and what impact does that have on families and local businesses?
Our team works with sports and events in a number of different ways:
1️⃣ We support events that are already going on in the region, but that may need some extra touches. Whether it’s assisting with securing competitive hotel rates, local referrals for catering, assistance with event signage, volunteer recruitment, event promotion, visitor information and so much more. Our team is essentially here to serve as a resource to make sure that your event is successful in Greater Lansing.
2️⃣ We also partner with our local sports organizations to go after larger regional or national level events. We travel across the country where we have the opportunity to meet with events rightsholders or National Governing Bodies like U.S. Figure Skating, USA Archery, USA Taekwondo, NCAA, etc. and work to determine their needs and if our region has the capacity, infrastructure, and overall needs to host their events. At times, we will work to pull together proposals including facility needs, hotel accommodations, and extra touches on why they should Choose Lansing and other times in addition to those requirements are actually serving as the boots on the ground team that not only manages the bid process but also works to execute all the event logistics to ensure it goes off without a hitch and many times giving all profit back to our local partner organizations depending on what the event is.
3️⃣ At times we also work to create events where we see a need or opportunity for the region such as our DIII National Bowling Invite which is a NCAA Bowling event that we created that just wrapped up its 2nd year or our FIERCE Initiatives including FIERCE Women in Sports, FIERCE Girls in Sports, etc. All of these events help boost the economy across the region. Currently, the sports tourism industry, according to the Sports Events and Tourism Association’s 2024 Annual report, is worth $52.2 billion dollars of direct spending. That means that $52.2 billion dollars was spent on things directly related to sporting events across the country, and these numbers do not include your regular season collegiate events. These are events that move around the country. By working with our local partners to bring these events to Greater Lansing we are helping enhance the offerings and opportunities to our local sports organizations, fill our local venues/hotels/attractions/restaurants where people spend their dollars which in turn helps provide jobs to our local area residents and then in the end boost our local economy and gives us the ability to work to provide future assets for not only our local area residents to utilize but then attract additional visitors from outside the region. It’s a never-ending cycle.
What’s one event or project you’re especially proud of bringing to Greater Lansing? Most memorable event?
2012 U.S. Figure Skating Junior Championships – it was the first large figure skating event we secured as a collaboration with the Lansing Skating Club and ice rink and the last time the event was ever hosted.
2023 National Horseshoe Pitcher’s Association World Tournament – one of the first events that I ever worked to sell when I first started, and it took from 2009 until 2020 to secure. We secured a large special event fund through the state of Michigan in order to host. We were awarded the event in March of 2020 and were supposed to host in 2022 and then the facility that we were going to host at closed due to the pandemic. Finally hosting in 2023, after a venue pivot and years of pitching Lansing was truly amazing.
Most Memorable – 2022 NCAA DIII Cross Country National Championships – we hosted in November of 2022; we had absolutely beautiful weather during set-up and then the day teams arrived we got hit with a foot of snow. It made for a challenging few days figuring out how to clear snow off the golf course, but it was truly a collaborative effort from all partners, and the event was incredibly successful despite the snow. One event we will always remember!
The creation of the FIERCE Women in Sports event – FIERCE was created on the principle that Females Ignite Empower Respect Collaborate and Engage with one another to expand our connects and strengthen relationships. In honor of National Girls & Women in Sports Day we invite women from across the Greater Lansing region and the state to come together to celebrate the power of sport. This event features inspiring women leaders who share their insights on the power of mentorship and women supporting women as well as how sports can serve as the universal language to bring people together. FIERCE was created as a chance to connect, learn and be empowered by the incredible achievements of girls and women in sports and an opportunity to honor the trailblazers and role models who are shaping the future and paving the way for the next generation. This event was just an idea for so many years and to see the response last year in year one was truly incredible. This event helped serve as the stepping stone to creating a community of women that have come together to support one another all year long and to see the impact that it has had a year later and have people asking when it will return has been humbling and so very rewarding. One of my favorite and probably most emotional events in 2025.
What do you love most about working in sports tourism and community development?
I like to say that I have the privilege of being in the memory making business. We are privileged to be a part of creating events, tournaments, races, and championships that people travel to our region for and will remember forever. Those same moments help revitalize our region. We fill venues, hotels, restaurants, attractions, showcase our region, help fund our local sports organizations and programs, and boost economic impact while creating additional opportunities and potential future regional assets. Sports has the power to bring people together and I love that through our work we have been able to showcase that through cross-region collaboration.
What are some ways local families can get involved or support what the LSC does?
We host several events throughout the year that need volunteers. You can register on our website to receive our communications about upcoming opportunities. Our calendar of event stays updated and most of our events are open to the public. We encourage everyone to check out what’s going on across the Greater Lansing area region and challenge those around you to do the same. There are so many sporting events outside of MSU that we have the privilege of hosting and many people have no idea are even taking place.
We would also challenge you to reach out. If you travel outside the region or the state for your son, daughter, or events for yourself and you’re wondering if we could host it here is Lansing, we would love to hear from you and are always looking for new opportunities to explore.
How do you balance the fast pace of your job, which often includes evenings, weekends, and travel, with family life?
It’s a non-stop juggling act that takes constant attention. I will be honest, in my early days, I wasn’t the best at balancing but with time, patience and practice I’ve gotten better. One of the things that I have learned, and I work hard to showcase to my team, is that our families have to come first. Time goes by so quickly and you only have so many opportunities, especially when your kids are young. I try hard to be very intentional and make sure that I calendar everything. I am purposeful about making sure to communicate the non-negotiables with my team and I’ve learned to not be afraid to ask for help when I need someone to cover for me. There are of course things that you just have to be at and you will have to sacrifice at times but making sure that there is a balance is important. This isn’t always the easiest thing to do, way easier said than done, but with practice it works and with a strong team it works even better. We have a small but mighty team that has truly become family and with open communication and some flexibility on all fronts the balance seems to work out.
What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue a leadership role in athletics or tourism?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Start small but network. It’s uncomfortable and awkward and you are not the only one that feels that way but it’s so very important.Growth happens during those times when you feel uncomfortable and the only way to get more comfortable is doing it over and over again. Don’t be afraid to send the email, make the call, connect on LinkedIn, go to the networking event on your own, or just ask the question. If you are considering pursuing a leadership role in athletics or tourism, put yourself in the room with others that have walked in those spaces. Everyone enjoys talking about themselves at some point in time, reach out and ask how they got to where they are, ask about their journey. Some may not respond and that’s okay but don’t stop reaching out so many of us that are in leadership roles were once in your shoes and would love to help connect you and find your path.
Here are a couple of questions to get to know you better 😊
What are some of your favorite local spots to grab a bite, get outside, or have fun together in Greater Lansing?
Flour Child Bakery in Grand Ledge is a must and a weekly go to for our family. While we don’t frequent it enough, we love walking the island downtown Grand Ledge, checking out the Ledges or enjoying the river trail. Our go to stops for fun with the kids are Impression 5 Science Center, Royal Scot for bowling or the recent favorite is Zap Zone XL.
What is one thing your kids do that always makes you laugh?
They all make us laugh in their own way but I think the thing that keeps us on our toes is their one liners that much of the time sound like mini versions of ourselves and you can’t help but chuckle because the very thing that may drive you absolutely insane about your kids, you quickly learn that they got from you or your spouse!
What’s your go-to activity when you need to recharge and enjoy some time for yourself?
I enjoy unplugging with a boot camp class at the gym or when I can I enjoy running.
Favorite sport to watch? Play?
Figure Skating is my first love, but I also love watching basketball and football. I was a figure skater, love to play basketball and enjoy running.
Hidden talent or fun fact about you?
Figure skating has been a part of my life for over 30 years. I absolutely LOVE Disney!
One thing you can’t live without?
My family.
Guilty pleasure TV show or snack?
I LOVE Blue Bloods, Grey’s Anatomy and Chicago Fire. I am a sucker for holiday/seasonal candy especially gummy candy. I can’t walk past an end cap display and not try the newest item to launch.
How does sleep fit in your life?
It doesn’t really! I’ve always been one that runs on far too little sleep and should prioritize it more, I’m working on it.
Favorite season in Michigan?
Fall
How do you prefer readers to connect with you if they would like more information or would like to connect?
Reaching out via Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn works but happy to connect via email as well. I’m not as regular at checking facebook messenger as the others.
Anything exciting events coming up in Greater Lansing that you’d love to share?
FIERCE Women in Sports – February 4th
FIERCE Girls in Sports – February 7 th
Nations Cup Theatre on Ice – April 23-26th – International figure skating competition welcoming over 1000 skaters from across the world taking place at Munn
USA Archery Collegiate Outdoor Target Nationals – May 14-17 th – 500 collegiate archers competing for their national championships at Hope Sports Complex.
We’re grateful Meghan took the time to share more about her work with the Lansing Sports Commission and her beautiful family! Thank you, Meghan!
Facebook — Lasing Sports Commission
Instagram — lansingsports
Website —lansingsports.org
Meet a Mom Sponsor information
Today’s Meet a Mom featuring Meghan Ziehmer was brought to you by Boji Group. Boji Group specializes in Private-Public Partnerships, has offices in both Lansing and Birmingham and is headquartered in downtown Lansing.
Did you enjoy getting to know Meghan Ziehmer from Lansing Sports Commission?
We’re grateful to Boji Group for partnering with Greater Lansing Area Moms to bring you our popular Meet a Mom feature and we’ve been honored to introduce so many amazing local moms and businesses through this collaboration!
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Are you interested or know of someone who would make a great GLAMoms Meet a Mom?
Send a message here and we will take it from there!
*photos provided by Meghan Ziehmer
