The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazer Boosters Announces New Staff Additions
1/7/2014 12:00:00 AM | General
Jan. 7, 2014
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- Two new assistant directors of development have joined the UAB Athletics staff. Clair Waggener and Brett Borders have been added to the Blazer Boosters staff and will assist the department in generating revenue to help offset the annual scholarship costs for UAB Athletics.
"We are excited to welcome bright and enthusiastic team members in Clair and Brett," said Assistant Athletics Director of Development Brad Hardekopf. "These two individuals have the skills and capabilities to provide an enhanced experience for our current Blazer Boosters members and both will play a key role as we aggressively seek to grow our revenue streams."
Waggener joined Blazer Boosters after serving one year with Crimson Tide Hospitality, The Colonnade Group, at The University of Alabama. She served as the North Zone Manager overseeing Bryant Denny Stadium's Premium Seating and Hospitality for Tide Pride members.
While completing her Master's degree in Sport Management at The University of Alabama, Waggener also served as a Graduate Assistant at the Paul W. Bryant Museum where she assisted in the planning of Coach Bryant's Centennial Celebration. She also had the opportunity to intern with Club Magnolia Hospitality at The Masters in 2013 and the NCAA Men's Final Four. In 2011 and 2012, Waggener interned with the Samford University Athletic Department assisting in Event Management and Hospitality for the Bulldog Club.
In her role with Blazer Boosters, Waggener primarily focuses on managing all aspects of special events for Blazer Boosters, including game day hospitality, Belles & Whistles, UAB Athletics Hall of Fame and the UAB Athletics Auction. In addition, she oversees the Blazer Boosters website and assists in securing new Blazer Boosters members in support of UAB student-athletes.
Borders joined Blazer Boosters after spending a season as Development Associate with the Tiger Scholarship Fund at the University of Missouri. He assisted the Director of TSF in oversight, execution and marketing of the Tiger Scholarship Fund. In addition, he aided in the assignment of priority parking for both football and basketball while overseeing the department's Gift In Kind program.
During his time at Missouri, Borders saw the TSF reach its largest annual fund membership base ever with 8,000 donors and record pledges of over $10 million. Prior to Missouri, Borders served as a Blazer Boosters intern during the 2012-2013 academic year. While completing his undergraduate degree at Auburn University, he served as a production intern with the Rick & Bubba show and completed an internship with the Sports Czars Radio Show.
In his role with Blazer Boosters, Borders will manage all aspects of donor relations including annual fund renewals, UAB's priority point system, gift processing, Blazer Boosters marketing materials and the Blazer Bulletin. He will also launch and oversee a Gift in Kind program and assist in securing new Blazer Boosters members.
Waggener and Borders round out the Blazer Boosters staff which currently encompasses Paul Kabbes and Brad Hardekopf. Hardekopf will assume the day to day supervision of the Blazer Boosters office while focusing on major gifts and capital projects. Kabbes will transition into daily oversight of the annual fund while managing the Blazer Club and B Club.
