Ce'Nedra Dillard: Rising Force Behind Greenville's Sports Renaissance

Emerging sports industry leader Ce'Nedra Dillard, STS, SDLT has taken the helm as Director of Sports Development  at the Greenville-Pitt County Sports Commission (Play Greenville, NC Sports), bringing local insight and strategic vision to the role. Born and raised in Belvoir in Pitt County and East Carolina University Sports Studies graduate, Dillard's expertise in sports development was honed through college athletics marketing and fan engagement, followed by valuable experience in fitness industry sales. Her October 2024 promotion from Sports Sales Manager to Director marks a significant milestone for what locals proudly call the "Emerald City" of eastern North Carolina.

"Greenville is a mosaic of all types of different people," she asserts. "You would find someone passionate about what they're involved in, with the community being a big centric expression – there are people around that support them, whether it is someone close to them or those rooting for them from afar." This commitment to community support has been a cornerstone of Dillard's approach to sports development, ensuring that every event contributes to the region's vibrant sporting culture.

Dillard leads Play Greenville, NC Sports with a clear purpose, leveraging the area's impressive athletic infrastructure and rapid community growth. The region boasts world-class facilities, including East Carolina University's North Recreational Complex, which includes eight natural grass fields, comprehensive walking trails, rope courses, and a six-acre lake. This versatile complex accommodates a wide range of sports and activities, from youth tournaments to adult recreational leagues.

A state-of-the-art convention center delivers 30,000 square feet of contiguous space and features 92,000 total sq ft of flexible meeting space across the campus, backed by three hotels providing over 400 rooms. For event organizers, Dillard promises exceptional support throughout the process: "We want to know what went right, and if something went wrong, so we have feedback to prepare for the next successful event.” Her commitment to transparent communication and comprehensive event support has already attracted numerous sporting events to the region.

Athletes enjoy both excellent competition facilities and rich off-field experiences, while fans benefit from Greenville's extensive nine-mile Greenway network, dynamic downtown district, and thriving local food scene. The focus on creating memorable experiences extends beyond the playing field, with Dillard's team ensuring every visitor finds something to enjoy in Greenville.

The strategic importance of Greenville's sporting development resonates strongly with Dillard's leadership philosophy and aligns perfectly with the city's ambitious growth plans. "During the COVID period, I had the time to sit with myself and be grateful for our community here," she reflects. "I get a hand on the forefront of developing such an amazing place." Known as the gem of eastern North Carolina, Greenville offers distinctive experiences that set it apart from typical tourist destinations.

The city continues to evolve, with a landmark downtown hotel scheduled for early 2025 and enhanced urban connectivity initiatives. The ongoing development includes improved walkability throughout the downtown area and adding aesthetic elements like flower boxes and murals on every corner, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors and residents alike.

"When people get here and interact with our community and assets, they realize there truly is something for everyone," Dillard confidently states. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or a brewery person, we offer assets that suit families looking to grow, the older generation, young professionals, and youth." The city's recent additions include a new distillery and several innovative dining establishments, further enriching the visitor experience.

Under her leadership, Greenville, NC is establishing itself as a premier destination for sports tourism and athletic excellence, promising unforgettable experiences for event organizers, athletes, and fans. With a clear vision for the future and a deep understanding of the community's needs, Dillard positions Greenville-Pitt County as a leading force in regional sports development, creating lasting impacts far beyond the playing field.