For the City-Times

A Stevens Point native has returned to his hometown to become general manager of SentryWorld.

Michael K. James, PGA, returns to his hometown after most recently serving as resort manager of The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels, West Virginia—sister resort to The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. In this position, James will oversee Sentry’s entire hospitality operation, including SentryWorld golf, dining, weddings, banquets, events and recreational activities, plus @1800 restaurant, lounge, gallery and theater.

Born and raised in Stevens Point, James attended St. Stanislaus elementary school, P.J. Jacobs and graduated from SPASH. A graduate of Mountain State University in West Virginia, he was appointed the West Virginia ambassador to the University of Wisconsin’s National W Club.

James brings extensive experience in golf, recreational and resort management, with more than 20 years of experience working for leading companies such as the Ritz-Carlton and renowned country clubs in the eastern U.S.

“We are delighted that Mike James has joined Sentry as SentryWorld’s general manager,” said Joe Fritzsche, vice president of Sentry Insurance. “Mike brings a great track record in hospitality management with some of the finest organizations in the industry. He is also a native of Stevens Point and in fact was married at SentryWorld. We are happy to welcome him back to Central Wisconsin.”

According to James, the opportunity to return to the Midwest and take the reimagined SentryWorld to the next level was too good to pass up.

“My love affair with SentryWorld dates back to when I was around 17 years old and got a summer job working in the SentryWorld cart barn,” said James. “It was my first job in the golf business, sparked my passion and started me down the path toward my membership into the PGA of America. I have proudly hung a picture of the Flower Hole in my office over the years and have always been quick to tell people how SentryWorld is such a special place.”

James is focused on ensuring a successful opening of the new SentryWorld all around—from golf to dining and events.

“The new SentryWorld will be a place that the community of Stevens Point and surrounding areas will be proud of,” said James. “It will be a place where people will enjoy world-class golf, great food and entertaining events and where everyone will feel comfortable and welcome. I am excited to be a part of it.”

SentryWorld is located in Stevens Point, Wisconsin and is owned and operated by Sentry Insurance, one of the largest and strongest mutual insurance companies in the United States. The company and its subsidiaries sell property and casualty insurance, life insurance, annuities and retirement programs for businesses and individuals throughout the country. Headquartered in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Sentry employs nearly 4,000 associates in 41 states.