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Staff
Prior to joining the Sports Commission, Mike was the Vice President of the Florida Sports Foundation, the official sports development and promotion organization for the state of Florida, overseeing corporate development, major and regional grant programs, marketing and promotions for Foundation programs, development of Florida as a sports destination, member services, and new partnerships. Mike joined the Foundation in 1999 as the Director of Events with responsibility for Florida’s Sunshine State Games, the Florida Senior Games and other Foundation events. He served in the same capacity for two years, with the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, prior to the merger with the Florida Sports Foundation. From 1997–1998, Mike served as the Director of Programs and Marketing for the United States Track Coaches Association, managing the development of a new signature event, the U.S. Collegiate Track & Field Series. From 1993-1996, Mike was an Assistant Competition Manager with the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG). As a member of the ACOG Sports Department, Mike was heavily involved in the development of the new Aquatic Center facility at Georgia Tech, and also designed the Olympic road cycling course through the streets of Buckhead. During the Centennial Games, he had responsibility for the three cycling venues. Mike is a graduate of the University of Florida, with a degree in Exercise and Sports Sciences with a specialization in Sports Administration. He and his wife, Dawn Marie Sophia, have two daughters, Madison Leigh Sophia and Riley Nicole Sophia.
Prior to joining the Sports Commission, Heather was the Director of Buyer Relations & Marketing for The Super Show, the largest sports products trade show in the country dedicated to the growth of sports and fitness. Heather began her career with The Super Show as Special Projects Manager in October of 2000. Working with companies such as Under Armour, Reebok, Nike, Wilson, Spalding, The Sports Authority, and Foot Locker Inc, her marketing and event management experience spread across many facets of the trade show including but not limited to: attendee marketing and promotional programs, the 2001 Sports Product of the Year Competition, the World of Sports Innovation Nike Launch Party, and Focus on the Fundamentals. In addition to her responsibilities at the Miami-Dade Sports Commission, Heather is an adjunct professor at the University of Miami. There she teaches undergraduate students the elements of sports marketing and management. Heather has received a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Sports Management from Florida Atlantic University. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from Florida State University. She and her husband, Scott, live in Miami Beach with their two dogs Zoe and Louie. Elizabeth Gunn – Administrative Coordinator Prior to joining the Sports Commission, Elizabeth worked for the Baltimore Orioles as Fan Services Representative at the spring training home of the Orioles, Fort Lauderdale Stadium. She was responsible for coordinating season and group ticket sales with the Box Office Manager, promoting special event days, and ensuring retention and overall growth of the Orioles south Florida fan base. While with the Orioles, her duties expanded into a larger role of the overall operation of the facility, working closely with the Florida Operations Manager to execute day-to-day operations. Beyond baseball operations at the stadium, Elizabeth assisted in bringing outside events to Fort Lauderdale Stadium, including the Broward County Fair. She has also held positions at the TD Banknorth Garden and with the Miami Dolphins. Elizabeth is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University, where she received her Master’s degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Sport Management. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryant College with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
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Mike Sophia – Executive Director 
Heather Wasek-Kurstin – Assistant Director 