PLANO, Texas – Learfield Sports recently promoted Amber Armstrong to director of sales operations and Lori Bland to director of client services, as announced today by Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer Andy Rawlings.
Armstrong, a six-year Learfield employee, was promoted to director of sales operations to lead various sales initiatives and recruiting efforts that ultimately support all of Learfield’s sponsorship sales operations. Additionally, she will hold a pivotal leadership role in the company’s continued involvement in diversity initiatives with industry associations and partners MOAA, NACDA and NACWAA.
Armstrong’s prior roles with the company include executive administrator the last year, and before that, as meetings and events director. Armstrong came to Learfield in 2008 with significant experience in the travel and hospitality industries. Her related previous experience includes serving as sales manager for the Hyatt Regency DFW Hotel and before that, as district sales manager for SuperClubs Caribbean Resorts. She also oversaw recruitment efforts for Attorney Resource, and holds her law degree from the University of Texas in Austin.
“Amber will absolutely shine in this role,” said Rawlings. “She understands superior customer service and the commitment it requires, and I’m excited that she is taking ownership in new areas of our company’s growth and development as we continue to move full speed ahead.”
Bland was promoted to director of client services from senior manager of client services in support of Learfield Sports’ entire National Sales Division with Northeast, Central, Southeast and West offices. Bland boasts 12 years with Learfield, and oversees all client fulfillment and support staff as they align corporate partners with the company’s 99 collegiate properties and develop innovative sponsorships. In addition, Bland manages strategic partners, programs and financial reporting for the national sales team.
Prior to serving with National Sales the past three years, Bland served two years as manager, consulting for Team Services, LLC. Before that, she was Learfield Sports’ events director in the company’s Plano, Texas headquarters. Her career started in 2001 at Learfield’s Mizzou Sports Properties entity, where she served three years as sales and marketing coordinator supporting University of Missouri Athletics.
“Lori is incredibly detailed and has been doing outstanding work for our company for years. She is perfectly suited for this expanded role, and we’re fortunate to have her on the team,” said Learfield Sports’ Executive Vice President National Sales Roy Seinfeld.
In its four decades, Learfield has developed trusted, long-term relationships with some of the most revered institutions and associations in the world of collegiate athletics. Learfield Sports manages the exclusive multimedia rights to 99 collegiate properties in the country and has prominence in all of the major conferences. Its rights encompass all athletic department media and sponsorships components, including stadium signage and numerous content distribution platforms. Those platforms deliver the passion of college athletics over radio, television and digital networks to fans globally. Learfield also offers its college partners with licensing and trademark consulting, concessions and hospitality services and professional ticket sales. For more, visit learfieldsports.com.