The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Adds Pair To Athletics Development Staff
11/18/2009 12:00:00 AM | General
Nov. 18, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- The UAB athletics department has announced the hiring of Leon Ryan and Darron Boatright as Associate Athletic Directors for Development.
Ryan, a veteran business executive with 25 years of experience in financial planning and wealth management, comes to UAB after most recently serving as Senior Vice President/District Sales Manager of the Southern District for Morgan Stanley in Atlanta, Ga. From 1995-2006, Ryan served as First Vice President/Senior Resident Director of Merrill Lynch, Fenner and Smith in Birmingham.
In his new position at UAB, Ryan will be responsible for coordinating major gifts and planned giving efforts for athletics.
"Our goal is to see the community's financial contribution to the athletic department equal to the commitment that our student-athletes display each and every day on the courts and playing fields," said Ryan.
Boatright, who was Associate Athletic Director for External Operations at Murray State University from 2005-08, joins the Blazer family after spending a year as a financial advisor for Morgan Stanley Global Investments in Tuscaloosa.
Prior to becoming Associate AD at Murray State, Boatright held the title of Assistant AD for Development at Murray from July, 2005 to October, 2006. He was the Director of Basketball Operations at the University of Alabama from 1999-2005.
"UAB presents an opportunity for me to represent a world-class University through athletics," said Boatright. "I am appreciative for the commitment and confidence that Brian Mackin and Shannon Ealy have shown toward me and I look forward to assisting them in fulfilling the vision for Blazer Athletics."
Boatright's primary responsibilities at UAB will be on priority seating and annual giving.
"I have had the pleasure to know both Darron and Leon for nearly 10 years and it is exciting to get individuals of their experience, character, integrity and passion as part of the UAB family," said Shannon Ealy, UAB Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs.
"Both are familiar with the Birmingham community and have demonstrated success in wealth management, financial planning, and development. Landing two individuals of their caliber will allow UAB Athletics to better position itself for success in terms of revenue and projects. Leon and Darron will be great additions to our management team."
Ryan earned his undergraduate degree West Virginia University where he was a collegiate swimmer and his Masters in Sports Administration from Marshall. Boatright is a graduate of Murray State University and later earned his Masters in Higher Education Administration from Alabama.
