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By Harika Rao '11 '15Published Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012
Nicole Rissler '03 graduated with a master’s degree in business administration from Lynn University. She earned her degree while coaching the university’s volleyball team.
Nicole has been appointed director of sports for the Visit Sarasota County organization, which promotes tourism on Florida’s gulf coast. This new role reflects the continuous importance and improvement of athletic events to the tourism industry. Nicole is responsible for attracting new sports business to the county and maintaining current partnerships. She will also be working towards bringing international events to the $40 million rowing facility under construction at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Fla.
Nicole has worked as a director of financial resources and community relations with the American Red Cross, and as director of marketing and communications for the Sarasota YMCA. She feels that what she gained at Lynn, both as a coach and as a student, helped in her career path.
“As a young professional and coach Lynn gave me the opportunity to obtain my M.B.A. and gain work experience at the same time. Having my master’s degree has opened many doors that would not have been opened without it.”
Nicole’s advice to current Lynn students: “Take full advantage of all the opportunities that Lynn offers, and when possible do internships. In this day and age internships can get you in the door to many organizations and companies that may hire you. I have either hired or assisted in helping my interns get jobs elsewhere on many occasions.”
In addition Nicole understands the power of networking and never burning bridges because you never know when those relationships will come back into play down the road.