UM Announces Promotions in External Areas
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami Athletics Department announced several promotions within its Communications and Marketing teams on Friday.
“Our leadership has allowed us to be aggressive and creative in developing a structure that matches the current needs of the Miami Hurricanes’ brand and our fan base locally, regionally and nationally,” said Chris Freet, Associate Athletic Director for Communications and Marketing. “I am fortunate to work with the team in marketing and communications and I am proud of them for earning these promotions. Their skills are only exceeded by their passion and drive for this University. It makes for a very enjoyable and productive work environment.”
Brian Bowsher has been promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Digital Strategy, where he will take on elevated responsibility for all web, digital and social media properties maintained by the Miami Hurricanes, while also providing oversight of the Graphic Design department. Bowsher, in coordination with the Ticket Sales department and Ticket Office, will continue to lead online marketing campaigns and the execution of online ticket sales initiatives.
Recently, Bowsher was honored by the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) for his work on OperationSellout.com, which helped drive record sales for the 2012-13 men’s basketball team.
“Brian’s unique skill set for ticket sales, marketing, and web development is a rare find in college athletics,” said Freet. “He’s far exceeded expectations and has been a perfect fit for our department.”
Chris Yandle will step into the new role of Assistant AD for Communications, while taking over complete responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the five-person communications team. Yandle will continue to serve as the primary contact for the Hurricanes football team and head coach Al Golden, while adding additional administrative and leadership opportunities to his job description.
“In addition to being an expert in social media etiquette and developing strong media relationships, Yandle has solidified our communications department and rebuilt the foundation of that unit,” said Freet. “Yandle fully expects to take all areas of communications to much higher levels this year and we’re all excited to see what the future holds.”
Amy Woodruff has been promoted to Associate Communications Director and will continue in her role as the lead contact for the defending ACC Champion men’s basketball team.
“No coach was more visible than Jim Larranaga during the 2012-13 season and that was a direct result of Amy’s media relations skills and organizational expertise,” said Freet. “She helped elevate the brand recognition of our basketball program and, in turn, has earned an elevation of job responsibilities.”
Lindy Sparby, previously an assistant, has been promoted to Director of Marketing and will immediately begin oversight of day-to-day marketing for the five-time national champion football program. Former communications staffer Scott Zavitz will step into the role of Associate Marketing Director and will organize all basketball marketing efforts.
“Zavitz and Sparby are two rising stars in the industry that have proven their abilities and are ready to tackle the challenges in these new positions,” said Freet.
Below are is a full staff list with sport responsibility:
Communications
Chris Yandle, Assistant AD for Communications (Department Oversight, Football, Women’s Golf)
Amy Woodruff, Associate Director (Men’s Basketball, Men’s Tennis)
Camron Ghorbi, Assistant Director (Baseball, Women’s Soccer, Swimming & Diving)
Taylor McGillis, Assistant Director (Women’s Basketball, Women’s Tennis)
David Villavicencio, Assistant Director (Volleyball, Track & Field, Cross Country, Rowing)
Marketing
Andrew Goodrich, Assistant AD for Marketing (Department Oversight, Football, M/W Basketball, Baseball)
Lindy Sparby, Director of Marketing (Football, Baseball, Rowing, Women’s Golf, Track & Field)
Scott Zavitz, Associate Marketing Director (M/W Basketball, Women’s Soccer, Men’s Tennis)
Brandon Myles, Assistant Marketing Director (Baseball, Volleyball, Cross Country,
Swimming & Diving, Women’s Tennis)
Sean Lawrence (Administrative Assistant)
Samantha Williams (Administrative Assistant)
Creative Services
Brian Bowsher, Assistant AD for Digital Strategy
Leo Ramos, Graphic Designer
