FARMINGTON, Utah – LEARFIELD, exclusive sponsorship sales partner for the Big Sky Conference, announced Jeff Menard has been appointed general manager for its local Big Sky Sports Properties team.
Menard, an industry veteran, brings a wide range of experience to the Conference from within college, media and entertainment. He recently relocated to Utah from California, where he has spent most of his career. Most recently, he owned Menard Solutions Corp to assist companies with business development, and prior to that, worked with Cumulus Media KNBR in San Francisco. Menard’s previous intercollegiate athletics experience includes serving five years on the multimedia rights team representing the Cal Bears. He also is the former assistant athletic director, corporate sponsorship and marketing for the University of San Francisco.
As primary LEARFIELD liaison with the Big Sky Conference, Menard will work alongside Commissioner Tom Wistrcill and the entire Conference team on all aspects of the relationship. Big Sky Conference proactively sells all Conference assets to businesses and corporations looking to align with its 10 full member institutions and four affiliates.
“We are thrilled to welcome someone with Jeff’s experience to our Big Sky team,” Wistrcill said. “His time working and selling for athletic departments and being part of a team, along with his proven sales record, will elevate the experience for our sponsors and schools.”
Menard received his bachelor’s degree from University of Alabama at Birmingham and earned his master’s degree in Sport Management from The United States Sports Academy.
“Jeff is a proven professional, who has extensive sponsorship sales expertise with an intersection of college sports, media and entertainment; a perfect fit for Big Sky Sports Properties,” said Rachel Palumbo, a LEARFIELD vice president, multi-media rights. “We’re excited to have Jeff on board as we continue to pair sponsor brands with the Big Sky brand.”
LEARFIELD is a media, data, and technology services leader 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. LEARFIELD services include licensing and collegiate sports properties’ multimedia sponsorship management; publishing, audio, digital and social media; data analytics and insights; ticketing software; and ticket sales, premium seating, and fundraising services; branding; campus-wide business and sponsorship development; and venue technology systems. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for NACDA’s acclaimed LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup, recognizing athletic departments across all divisions.