NEW ORLEANS – Banks Shepherd has been appointed general manager for Tulane Sports Properties, as announced today by the university’s athletics multimedia rightsholder, Learfield IMG College. Today marks his first day on campus in the new role.
Shepherd was promoted to general manager and relocated to New Orleans, having spent nearly five years as manager, business development in Chapel Hill with Tar Heel Sports Properties, Learfield IMG College’s team dedicated to University of North Carolina. His previous experience also includes serving on the athletics multimedia rights teams at Baylor and LSU. Shepherd brings a diverse background of college athletics experience to the Crescent City. Before his time working in corporate partnerships, Shepherd served as a development assistant at Ole Miss after beginning his career with Vanderbilt in the marketing and development offices.
Tulane Sports Properties, the New Orleans-based Learfield IMG College team dedicated solely to representing the Green Wave, works in complete collaboration with Tulane University Ben Weiner Director of Athletics Troy Dannen and the entire athletics administration.
“We are thrilled to welcome Banks to our Tulane University community,” said Dannen. “He brings a wealth of experience in multiple areas within collegiate athletics which will help elevate our department’s profile on a number of levels. Growing up in the gulf south, Banks is very familiar with local businesses throughout southern Louisiana and has great relationships with national companies. His energy and passion will be a great fit for our staff.”
Shepherd, a Jackson, Miss. native and a graduate of the University of Mississippi, holds a master’s degree in sports administration from Belmont University and an MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.
“Banks will do a phenomenal job at Tulane, overseeing our overall rights relationship with Troy and his team and curating those important relationships with the local, regional and national brands wanting to align with the Green Wave,” said Learfield IMG College Vice President, Multi-Media Rights-South Region Mike Haake. “He is a true professional and brings valuable experience from some outstanding DI programs.”
“I want to thank Troy, Jana, and Learfield IMG College for this tremendous opportunity to lead the corporate partnerships team at Tulane,” said Shepherd. “The Green Wave brand has risen to new heights under Troy’s leadership in recent years, and I believe the best days are ahead of us. There has never been a better time for local, regional, and national brands to align with Tulane Athletics. I look forward to joining the Tulane and New Orleans community.”
Learfield IMG College is the leading media and technology services company in intercollegiate athletics. The company unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans through an omnichannel platform with innovative content and commerce solutions for fan engagement. The Learfield IMG College suite of services includes licensing and multimedia sponsorship management; publishing, audio, digital and social media; data analytics; ticketing, ticket sales and professional concessions expertise; branding; campus-wide business and sponsorship development; and venue technology systems. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, the company has long had the privilege of being an advocate for intercollegiate athletics and the student-athlete experience. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield IMG College Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
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