Richmond International Raceway (RIR) Senior Director of Business Development Louis Gilmore names Mike Murphy the Senior Manager of Business Development. In addition, RIR President Dennis Bickmeier announces the promotions of Ryan Trapp to Manager of Digital Communications and Justin Johnson to Manager of Ticketing and Guest Services.
Murphy joins RIR after a six-year tenure in Minor League Baseball with the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. In his role as Director of Corporate Sales, Murphy led the department to its first and third highest sales years in the organization’s history. This growth increased corporate sales revenue by 10 percent.
“Mike has a proven record of growing and managing corporate partnerships in our region,” said Senior Director Louis Gilmore. “He will be a great fit within our business development team as he continues his successful career at Richmond International Raceway.”
Prior to his tenure with the Flying Squirrels, Murphy was the Corporate Sales Director in the Athletics Department at Virginia Commonwealth University. He was responsible for selling game day programs and radio advertising for the men’s basketball team. He also assisted the Associate Athletic Director for Corporate Sales with management and implementation of sponsorship accounts.
A native of Goldsboro, N.C., Murphy received his Bachelor of Arts in Sport Administration from the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill and his Masters of Education from the Center for Sport Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University. From 2003 to 2007, he was the long snapper for the UNC football team.
“I look forward to the new challenge of growing my career with Richmond International Raceway and the International Speedway Corporation family of tracks,” said Murphy. “To be a part of the vision that Dennis Bickmeier and the team at RIR have for the future is a phenomenal opportunity. RIR is a huge part of the community and fabric of Richmond, so I am excited to continue to build and grow my personal and professional relationships within RVA.”
Murphy resides in Richmond with his wife Sarah.
Ryan Trapp, who joined RIR in 2013, oversees the digital communications for the organization, including rir.com, the mobile app, and the ideation and creation of all videos. Trapp is also integral in the strategic support of media and public relations initiatives as part of the communications department.
Justin Johnson manages RIR’s group sales, military hospitality program, college outreach efforts, and group tailgate. He also manages the organization’s new Ticket Sales Associate Program, which will allow local college students and recent graduates to get their first experience with ticket sales. Johnson has been with RIR since 2014.
“Ryan and Justin have proven their ability and desire to take our organization to the next level,” said RIR President Dennis Bickmeier. “These merit promotions will allow each of them to continue to grow their professional careers and have an even greater impact on RIR’s future.”
NASCAR returns to Richmond April 28-30 and September 8-9 for two weekends of action. Season ticket renewals for the 2017 season are now open at RIR.com or by calling 866-455-RACE (7223). The renewal deadline is January 13. For more information, visit rir.com.
RIR PR
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