Chun Named Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Relations – Ohio State Buckeyes
9/2/2009 12:00:00 AM | General
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Pat Chun, a member of the Ohio State department of athletics staff since 1997, has been elevated to senior associate athletics director for external relations, Gene Smith, athletics director and university associate vice president, announced. Chun most recently served as the deputy senior associate athletics director in the same area. Chun replaces Tom Hof, who left the department in August for a position with the Columbus Zoo.
“We appreciate all the years of service Tom gave to our department,” Smith said. “Pat is a perfect fit to lead our external relations team. We are confident he will continue to guide the area toward our departmental and university goals.”
As the senior associate athletics director, Chun provides administrative oversight for the external relations areas including communications, ticketing, merchandise, fan experience/promotions, creative services, video services, public relations, branding and spirit squads. He also will provide guidance and leadership to the development staff to ensure the comprehensive fundraising program aligns with the department’s strategic plan and goals and work with donors on a frequent basis.
Prior to gaining oversight of the external relations division of the department, Chun was an assistant athletics director for development. He began his professional career in 1997 in the athletics communications office and in 2002 was named director of the Buckeye Club. There, he managed the annual fund drive for three years. In 2005, Chun was named director of development and focused on major gift fundraising for endowments and capital projects.
As a result of the athletics department’s contract with IMG, other leadership changes took place earlier this summer. Bill Jones was promoted to associate athletics director for external relations with oversight of ticketing, premium seating and merchandise and is the department’s contact with IMG. Diana Sabau was promoted to associate athletics director for external relations and oversees fan experience and promotions, group ticket sales, creative services, spirit squad, marching band, public relations, website and video services. Dan Wallenberg, assistant athletics director for communications, rounds out the external relations leadership team.
