BARTOW, FL — The Polk County Board of County Commissioners has confirmed the appointment of Neal Duncan as the new Director of the Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing Division. Duncan will officially begin his new role on Monday, Aug. 17.
As director, Duncan will oversee the division’s daily operations, managing a budget of approximately $42.7 million and leading a team of 32 employees. He will also be responsible for continuing efforts to grow Polk County’s tourism industry and sports marketing initiatives.
Duncan has been with the Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing Division since 2006, when he joined as Senior Business Development Manager. In that role, he led the county’s corporate sponsorship program, developed strategic partnerships, and supported destination marketing efforts. In 2019, he was promoted to Senior Sales and Events Manager, where he oversaw the county’s sports tourism program, recruited major sporting events, and worked with national governing bodies and local community partners.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled by the confidence County Manager Bill Beasley and the Board of County Commissioners have placed in me,” Duncan said. “I look forward to working alongside our staff, industry partners, and community stakeholders to continue growing Polk County’s visitor economy and creating opportunities that benefit our residents and local businesses.”
Duncan earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation and sports management from Indiana State University. He succeeds Mark Jackson, who is retiring after 34 years of service with Polk County. Duncan’s annual salary will be $146,000.14.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS
