The following announcement was submitted by representatives from the Maryland SoccerPlex:

Germantown, Maryland (August 9, 2012) - Governor Martin O'Malley has appointed Trish Heffelfinger, Executive Director of the Maryland Soccer Foundation, to the Maryland Tourism Development Board for the upcoming year. 

The veteran executive, who supervises operations at the Maryland SoccerPlex and Discovery Sports Center, one of the largest sports facilities in the United States, will serve a one-year term which runs through July 2013. 

The Tourism Development Board provides guidance and support to the Maryland Office of Tourism. The Board is comprised of executives representing lodging, retail, transportation, food service, attractions as well as six members of the General Assembly. The Board has broad policy powers to guide the direction of all activities necessary to develop and market the state of Maryland as a destination.

"I'm honored and thrilled by this appointment," said Heffelfinger. "Sports tourism is a growing economic engine for the state of Maryland and the entire nation. With the number of sporting events and tournaments we host at the SoccerPlex, I think I bring a unique perspective to the Board."
 
The Maryland Soccer Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is the owner/operator of the Maryland SoccerPlex and Discovery Sports Center. The SoccerPlex welcomes 650,000 visitors each year for youth soccer, lacrosse, basketball and volleyball tournaments as well as local leagues and events. 

The SoccerPlex is regarded as one of the finest facilities of its kind in the country and has hosted thousands of local sports league matches and hundreds of national events since opening in 2000, drawing millions of dollars to the local economy.

"We're pleased to have Ms. Heffelfinger join the Maryland Tourism Board," said Margot Amelia, executive director of the Maryland Office of Tourism Development. "We look forward to her input and experience as we promote Maryland with the mission of increasing visitor spending in the state."

For more information about the Tourism Development Board and the Office of Tourism Development,visit their official website.