November 17, 2008

1.) Name: Dennis Kalina

2.) Current Position & Employer: Associate Athletic Director of Development

3.) # Years in current position: 2 Years

4.) Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in college athletics?   

Shortly after my intercollegiate athletic career ended, I knew it was time to focus on the future. I loved college athletics and knew it was where I wanted to create my future.

5.) Who do you consider to be your role model in this industry?

David Brown, Associate AD at Ohio State University. David was my first supervisor in athletics and helped form the building blocks for my career.

6.) What are your career aspirations? 

To be an Athletic Director at a Division I institution

7.) How important do you feel your involvement is with NACMA in terms of continuing to grow your career?

So much of what I have been able to do in my career is because of NACMA in some way. Either through learning from the convention, establishing friendships with other marketers or becoming a leader in the field, it all comes back to the organization.

8.) What is your favorite memory from your job, or project you are most proud of?

My favorite memory has to be from my very first promotion as an intern at Indiana University. It was called "Soap It Up". We had John J. York (Mac Scorpio) from the soap opera General Hospital in for a tailgate party. I was anxious all week but in the end it went down perfectly.

9.) Were you ever involved in a marketing "blunder"? If so, please explain!

While at Northwestern State University I had a quest to sell as many season tickets as possible. This strategy entailed moving all staff comp tickets from locations that some staff members had had for a number of years. It took me awhile to build back those relationships.

10.) Who has been your favorite coach to work with? (either present or past job): 

11.) What do you feel is the most important quality for those early in the profession to posses?

The drive to succeed.

12.) What advice would you give to those who are looking to venture into the field of collegiate athletics marketing?

Remember that what you are doing is for the betterment of the student-athletes. Make sure that you always keep that as part of your focus.

13.) In your opinion, where is collegiate athletics marketing headed in the future?

I believe we will see almost all D-I institutions partner with an outsourcing company. This will force marketers to choose earlier in their career if they want to go the sales route with an outsourcing company or the marketing/promotions side with an institution.

14.) What is the best advice anyone have ever given you?

Take the time to listen.

15.) Who are the people who have influenced you the most?

David Brown, Greg Burke, Ken Kavanagh and Mike Roth.