The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Hardekopf Named Senior Associate AD for External Affairs
7/3/2017 3:44:00 PM | General, Blazer Boosters
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram has announced the promotion of Brad Hardekopf to Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs.
Hardekopf, who has worked in the UAB Department of Athletics since 2008, will now oversee and execute the strategic planning for UAB's external units, including Athletic Development, Marketing, Communications and Ticket Sales. He will also serve as the liaison to UAB's multi-media rights partner IMG.
"Brad has an unwavering passion for UAB Athletics and his leadership qualities will be exemplified in his new role," Ingram said. "Brad's knowledge of UAB Athletics and the city of Birmingham makes him a perfect fit for this appointment. UAB is currently experiencing extraordinary levels of momentum and Brad is a major reason for that with his fundraising efforts. I am excited for what he will do as an external leader."
Since February of 2014, Hardekopf has served as the Associate Athletics Director for Development and overseen the fundraising efforts of Blazer Boosters.
Hardekopf has guided UAB Athletics fundraising to unprecedented levels of success. He serves as the point person for UAB Athletics during the University's comprehensive $1 Billion campaign, and under his watch, Blazer Boosters has partnered with the UAB Athletics Campaign Committee to raise the funds necessary to enhance athletic facilities, including the $22.5 million Football Operations Center.
He has also guided Blazer Boosters to consecutive record fundraising years with cash gifts exceeding $5 million during the 2015 and 2016 giving years. Hardekopf has helped orchestrate new revenue streams and philanthropic giving opportunities by introducing the Blazer Boosters Priority Point System, UAB's B Club, and Gift-In-Kind program.
"I am humbled with the opportunity Mark Ingram and the search committee have provided me," Hardekopf said. "Being able to serve in this capacity at UAB is an incredible honor. Together, we have built great momentum and will capitalize upon it to position Blazer Athletics for continued success."
Hardekopf joined UAB as the Director of Sales in September of 2008. He was next appointed the Director of Sales and Development in September of 2009 where he held that position until November of 2011 when he was named the Assistant Athletics Director for Development.
Prior to UAB, he worked with the WNBA's Houston Comets as a Corporate Partnership Manager. Hardekopf's experiences also include serving as a website content manager for the Paul Finebaum Website from 2005-08 and working with the Bruno Event Team in 2006 and 2007.
Hardekopf graduated Cum Laude from Auburn University in 2007 and earned his bachelor's degree in marketing. He was a sports marketing intern with the Tigers from 2006-07.
Hardekopf and his wife Nicole reside in Vestavia Hills and have one son, David.
Hardekopf, who has worked in the UAB Department of Athletics since 2008, will now oversee and execute the strategic planning for UAB's external units, including Athletic Development, Marketing, Communications and Ticket Sales. He will also serve as the liaison to UAB's multi-media rights partner IMG.
"Brad has an unwavering passion for UAB Athletics and his leadership qualities will be exemplified in his new role," Ingram said. "Brad's knowledge of UAB Athletics and the city of Birmingham makes him a perfect fit for this appointment. UAB is currently experiencing extraordinary levels of momentum and Brad is a major reason for that with his fundraising efforts. I am excited for what he will do as an external leader."
Since February of 2014, Hardekopf has served as the Associate Athletics Director for Development and overseen the fundraising efforts of Blazer Boosters.
Hardekopf has guided UAB Athletics fundraising to unprecedented levels of success. He serves as the point person for UAB Athletics during the University's comprehensive $1 Billion campaign, and under his watch, Blazer Boosters has partnered with the UAB Athletics Campaign Committee to raise the funds necessary to enhance athletic facilities, including the $22.5 million Football Operations Center.
He has also guided Blazer Boosters to consecutive record fundraising years with cash gifts exceeding $5 million during the 2015 and 2016 giving years. Hardekopf has helped orchestrate new revenue streams and philanthropic giving opportunities by introducing the Blazer Boosters Priority Point System, UAB's B Club, and Gift-In-Kind program.
"I am humbled with the opportunity Mark Ingram and the search committee have provided me," Hardekopf said. "Being able to serve in this capacity at UAB is an incredible honor. Together, we have built great momentum and will capitalize upon it to position Blazer Athletics for continued success."
Hardekopf joined UAB as the Director of Sales in September of 2008. He was next appointed the Director of Sales and Development in September of 2009 where he held that position until November of 2011 when he was named the Assistant Athletics Director for Development.
Prior to UAB, he worked with the WNBA's Houston Comets as a Corporate Partnership Manager. Hardekopf's experiences also include serving as a website content manager for the Paul Finebaum Website from 2005-08 and working with the Bruno Event Team in 2006 and 2007.
Hardekopf graduated Cum Laude from Auburn University in 2007 and earned his bachelor's degree in marketing. He was a sports marketing intern with the Tigers from 2006-07.
Hardekopf and his wife Nicole reside in Vestavia Hills and have one son, David.
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