Miami Announces the Hiring of Current Maine AD Blake James
Aug. 10, 2010
Coral Gables, Fla. – University of Miami Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt is bringing back a former Hurricane and a proven leader to oversee the external relations efforts for the University of Miami Athletics Department.
Current University of Maine Director of Athletics Blake James will leave his post with the Black Bears to join UM as Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs.
“We are very excited to welcome Blake and his wife, Kelly, back to the University of Miami,” said Hocutt. “Blake brings tremendous experience and an understanding of our market and community that will position us for continued growth and success. With five-years of experience as a Division I Athletic Director, Blake will be a tremendous addition to our leadership team.”
Previously, Blake worked in athletic administration at “The U” from 1998-2001. The 41-year-old will leave UMaine, where he has been AD since July 2005, in early September.
“Blake has done an outstanding job managing the UMaine athletic department, and we will miss him,” says UMaine President Robert Kennedy. “He has responded to significant challenges by making tough decisions and maintaining focus on the appropriate priorities, especially the academic success of our student-athletes, which has been exceptional during his tenure. While overseeing a competitive Division I program, Blake has built a strong foundation for future Black Bear athletic success. UMaine will benefit from his positive impact on the University and the department for years to come.”
As a part of the `Canes leadership team, James will be responsible for several aspects of athletics operations, including marketing, development, ticket sales and operations. He will also be a member of the Hurricanes’ executive administrative staff.
James arrived at UMaine in 2003, first serving as senior associate athletic director. He was named interim AD in July 2005, and was chosen for the job following a national search in May 2006. In addition to Miami, James has also worked at the University of Nebraska and Providence College.
“I truly appreciate the opportunity I have been given at UMaine,” James says. “My family and I have enjoyed our time here immensely, and we will always treasure our experiences as part of the UMaine community. At the same time, a return to Miami in this role represents a personal and professional opportunity that is too good to pass up.”
The UMaine athletic department has also grown in significant ways during James’ tenure. He has overseen the development of a state-wide television and radio network; a department-wide equipment arrangement with Adidas; as well as several facility enhancements – including the Mahaney Dome, the Alfond Arena video scoreboard, a new field hockey complex and new surfaces on Morse Field and Mahaney Diamond.
