World Triathlon has announced the addition of Kailua-Kona resident and former WTC race assistant Diana Bertsch as event director to round out the management team for the Ironman Triathlon World Championship. In addition to working closely with event manager Tom Cooney, Bertsch will be WTC's primary on-site race coordinator in Kona. Her duties will include working with the volunteer race committee, serving as a community liaison and local race logistics.

“Diana was the natural choice for us when it came to the event director position. She is already well known to the local race directors and the community, as well as the athletes. With her history, we expect this will be a seamless transition,” said WTC president Lew Friedland.

Bertsch brings with her a strong background in event management, special events and customer service, having recently served as the spa director for the luxury Kuki'o Golf & Beach Club. Bertsch has firsthand knowledge of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship, having worked for WTC as a race assistant from 1997-2000. She is also a 1995 Ironman Triathlon World Championship finisher.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to be back with the Ironman Triathlon World Championship and I am very excited to be a part of the professional race management team that Lew Friedland and WTC have assembled,” said Bertsch. “As an Ironman volunteer, finisher and most importantly, a Kona resident, I recognize the value of the Aloha given by our community and the importance of their participation to the success of the race. I look forward to this year's race and the opportunity to work closely with the community and the volunteer structure that makes this one of the world's best international sporting events.” Bertsch will begin her new duties on March 10.