Chris Park Named Executive Associate Athletics Director
1/5/2026 10:48:00 AM | General
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chris Park Named Executive Associate Athletics Director
Will oversee external affairs and serve as chief communications officer for the department
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University Department of Athletics has named Chris Park as its new Executive Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs and Chief Communications Officer. In this critical leadership role, Park will oversee the department’s external communications strategies, marketing, brand engagement, media relations, and strategic storytelling efforts that elevate Ohio State’s mission and impact across regional, national, and global audiences.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris and his family to The Ohio State University,” said Carey Hoyt, Deputy Director of Athletics. “His extensive experience in external affairs, communications, and brand development across top collegiate athletics programs uniquely positions him to lead our communications strategy with excellence and innovation.”
Park joins Ohio State from Baylor University, where he has served as Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Administration and Business Development, and was a key member of the department’s executive cabinet. At Baylor, Park led broad external-facing units including marketing, brand engagement, communications, ticketing, fan experience, and multimedia rights partnerships driving strategic alignment between athletic initiatives and community engagement.
Prior to Baylor, Park worked at Texas A&M University as Deputy Athletics Director for External Relations and Business Development. During his tenure, he oversaw marketing, communications, game management, special events, trademark and licensing, and media production teams. Among his notable accomplishments at Texas A&M, Park helped orchestrate marquee events, new revenue opportunities, and strengthened fan engagement while contributing to record attendance and revenue initiatives.
Before his time in College Station, Park distinguished himself at Washington State University, where he served first as Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Relations and later as Deputy Athletics Director for External Relations. His leadership spanned communications, marketing, ticketing, creative services, and video operations — and he played a central role in expanding the university’s athletic brand, elevating event experiences, and securing key partnerships and sponsorships.
With decades of experience spanning multiple Power Five and Group of Five institutions, Park has built a reputation as a strategic communicator and innovative leader in collegiate athletics administration. His background combines brand storytelling, media strategy, partnership development, and cross-functional leadership — positioning him to strengthen Ohio State’s voice and visibility across all platforms.
Park holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis on sports management from Texas A&M University, where he graduated magna cum laude.
“I am honored to join The Ohio State University,” Park said. “I look forward to partnering with the remarkable staff, student-athletes, faculty, and supporters to further elevate the Ohio State brand and share the inspiring stories that make this institution exceptional.”
