Prior to joining Plymouth State University in the School of Business as a Professor of Practice and Executive Director of the Sales Institute, Brenner served as the President & Managing Partner of the NH Fisher Cats in Manchester NH. The team annually delivers affordable wholesome fun to the community along with its Foundation the Fisher Cats have contributed over 5.5 Million dollars in estimated cash and in-kind donations to the region since 2007. According to a 2016 economic impact Study from SNHU, The team generates an estimated 15 to 20 million dollar annual economic impact to the City of Manchester.
During his time as President of Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in Brooklyn, Michigan, which annually hosts, among other events, two weekends of premier NASCAR races, bringing more than $414 million in economic activity annually to the state.
As president of MIS, he oversaw all facets of the two-mile oval and its 1,400 acres. MIS has expanded beyond NASCAR to become a year-round destination with the addition of sports car and go karting events, automotive research and development programs, and non-motorsports events such as the MIS Backyard Hockey Tournament, Nite Lites Drive Thru Holiday Light Show, Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Cross Country Championships, and Faster Horses, a three-day country music festival that is one of the fastest growing and most popular music festivals in the country.
During Brenner’s tenure, countless organizations in the in the region have benefitted from contributions totaling more than $2.7 million through cash donations, in-kind donations, work programs, grants, scholarships and sponsorships, as well as tickets and merchandise that clubs raffled to raise money by Michigan International Speedway through MIS Cares. Michigan International Speedway continues to be an industry-leading facility delivering countless innovations for NASCAR fans of all ages. Under Brenner’s leadership, the track has played a leading role in the development of the vision for NASCAR’s new approach to ticket sales and has delivered an enhanced MIS guest experience that is inclusive to all fans. The speedway has increased its focus on creating an experience for the family and fans of all ages while continuing to deliver entertainment for everyone in Fan plaza, the campgrounds and the pre-race festivities, creating increased value in the guest experience.
Prior to joining NASCAR at MIS, Brenner worked in Minor League Baseball (MiLB) as President of DSF Sports and Entertainment, the company that currently owns the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and previously owned the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Brenner managed all areas of the multi-unit business, as well as led the design and construction of the Bowling Green Ballpark in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Prior to DSF, Brenner spent six of his 12 seasons with the Trenton Thunder as Chief Operating Officer and General Manager.
Brenner’s personal efforts were also recognized by the game. In 2009, he was named Baseball Executive of the
Year by Ballpark Digest. He was twice named Eastern League Executive of the Year, including 2008 with the Fisher Cats. While leading the Trenton Thunder they received a pair of notable honors; in 2005, the team was awarded the John H. Johnson President’s Trophy, which recognizes one team in all of MiLB for their franchise stability, success, and community involvement. The Thunder also won the Larry MacPhail Award in 2003.
The Pennington, New Jersey native earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Plymouth State University and a Masters of Sports Administration at Ohio University.
Brenner and his wife Jenn have three children
