1) Title & Institution?
Associate Athletics Director for Development, University of Indianapolis
2) Number of years in your current position?
8 in Athletics Development, 16 years in fund raising
3) Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in intercollegiate athletics?
Right after college. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in athletics and was open to all areas as to get started. All during my college years I interned or worked in college sports and believed I would succeed should I work in college athletics.
4) What was your path to working in athletics development?
I was the Director for Annual Giving at UIndy and handling our donor program for Athletics when our AD at the time asked if I would be interested in handling the Athletics Development for the University on a full-time basis. I didn't even think twice about the proposition - I made the change and have been grateful ever since.
5) In your mind, who in this industry can serve as a good role model?
Bobby Purcell at N.C. State
6) How has your involvement with NAADD influenced your career?
By far the best thing I have ever been involved in. NAADD has been the best resource tool that has helped me grow as a professional and as a fund raiser. I encourage all Athletics Fund Raisers to be involved with NAADD and absorb all the benefits it provides.
7) What is the most important trait to possess for young professionals in athletics development?
Have a hard work ethic, always make sure to follow-up with people, and never stop learning.
8) What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Always be grateful, never give up on anything, have a plan and if you intend to leave a job you better have something in place before you leave or your creditability will be destroyed.
9) What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the field of intercollegiate athletics development?
Consider conducting an internship and gaining as much as experience as you can. Find someone who can mentor you and make sure to learn how to ask. If you can learn how to ask - you can be so successful in the field. Internships are the best approach to get into this field and they are extremely valuable.
10) Will you please explain a professional failure/mistake and how you learned from it?
We had a golf outing recently and we made a mistake with the outing brochure. The printer forgot to delete language in the brochure that said - a hole-in-one would receive a car. Well sure enough someone hit a hole-in-one. What an embarrassment. The lesson learned is make sure you proof everything and when a problem occurs have a plan before you react.
11) How do you adjust your strategies in a pro sports market?
Don't try to go head to head with the pro sports teams. Make sure your ideas or themes are creative so they do not copy or mirror the pro sports teams. Focus your efforts on what's unique about your programs - whether it's the cost, convenience, or the unique events you conduct.
12) What is the best example of great stewardship that you have witnessed at your institution?
We have a vendor at the University who has helped us with gift in kinds and sponsoring some of our events over the years. Due to the cultivation and the stewardship of the company and the contact we work with - the contact has decided to endow a scholarship for the athletic department. Just proves you never know in this business and remember to always ask.
13) What percentage of your work-week is spent in your office?
50% I try to be 40 (office) / 60 (out) but it varies a lot.
14) How do you maintain balance between your professional and personal life?
Good question. Can't let the job consume you. Make sure you have priorities and stick to them. Remember if you give everything in your life to your job - Your life will go racing by and you will never have the time to enjoy it.
15) What are you most looking forward to at the upcoming Convention in Dallas?
The entire program, which is an outstanding resource, and seeing my colleagues.
