SAN JOSE, Calif. – Director of Athletics Jeff Konya announced the addition of Scott MacDonald and Kristan Kelly to the executive leadership team at San José State on Wednesday. MacDonald will serve as the Deputy AD for PR and Content Strategy, while Kelly is the new Senior Associate AD for Compliance.
"We are excited to add the many talents of Scott and Kristan to our executive leadership team as we embark on making our new vision statement, 'The Charge of the Spartans' take root upon the wonderful foundations we have here at SJSU," said Konya. "I have no doubt that those who interact with them will be drawn to their engaging personality, professional mindset and intuitive leadership skills."
Scott MacDonald, Deputy AD for PR and Content Strategy
- Previously worked at Northeastern (Associate AD, 2019-21), United Shore Professional Baseball League (VP of Marketing and PR, 2018-20), Oakland University (Associate AD, 2007-17, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 1999-2002), Georgia Tech (Assistant Director, 2003-07) and North Carolina (Athletic Communications Assistant, 2002-03)
- Recipient of the Kathy Best Detroit Sports Media 'Best of the Best' Award in 2018
- Record brand awareness, media coverage and social media engagement at Northeastern, USPBL and Oakland
- Executive Producer for SVG Finalist show, Tales of the Howlin' Huskies, and multiple Emmy Award nominated Oakland All-Access Show
Kristan Kelly, Senior Associate AD for Compliance
- Previously worked at Memphis (Assistant AD and Director, 2013-21) and Saint Louis (Coordinator, 2012-13)
- Ran the Memphis Compliance office and developed policies and procedures to ensure institutional rules align with NCAA and conference rules
- Worked closely with men's basketball program at Memphis
- Earned Juris Doctorate degree from Missouri School of Law in 2009
What they are saying about Scott MacDonald …
Steve Kirschner, Senior Associate AD for Strategic Communications, North Carolina
"Scott has nearly a quarter-century of experience in college athletics as someone who cares first about the welfare and experiences of the students. That's just one reason why he is so highly regarded as an athletics administrator and communications professional. He's demonstrated at several schools and the USPBL that he has the innovation and creativity to help those programs excel in engaging with the community, promote his teams and generate additional resources."
Ian Thomsen, Multimedia Specialist, News@Northeastern, Author of The Soul of Basketball and former NBA writer for Sports Illustrated and the Boston Globe
"Working with Scott over the past two years at Northeastern has been inspiring. Scott acts on his ability to see around corners in a media world that is ever-changing. He develops visionary plans to embrace that future even as he builds one-on-one relationships in an old-school way — a rare blend. I continue to expect great things from Scott at San José State."
Kevin Grigg, Senior Vice President of Public Relations, Detroit Pistons
"Scott will be a great addition to the athletic department at San José State University. His ability to develop and nurture personal relationships with student athletes, alumni and media members that cover the university's athletics program will provide great opportunity for storytelling and engagement with the Spartan brand. As the overall media landscape continues to evolve through traditional and non-traditional means of delivery, Scott will ensure the department is innovative, opportunistic and prepared for the future."
Bill Coen, Head Basketball Coach, Northeastern
"During Scott's time here at Northeastern, he was the consummate professional. He was a dedicated and tireless worker who quickly earned the trust of student-athletes, coaches, and staff alike. He did an outstanding job of fostering relationships with local and national media outlets, and constantly leaned on those relationships to bring the best Northeastern stories to life. I'm quite certain Scott will be a tremendous asset to the San José State athletic department. We wish Scott and his family all the best and thank him for his service."
What they are saying about Kristan Kelly …
Penny Hardaway, Head Basketball Coach, Memphis
"Kristan Kelly ensured that our program and student-athletes were given the best shot at success here at the University of Memphis. Day in and day out her work ethic, dedication, and knowledge of NCAA and institutional landscape was unmatched. San José State University is getting a five star recruit!"
Ellen Ferris, Senior Associate Commissioner, American Athletic Conference
"Kristan Kelly is a valued colleague, and her commitment to the well-being of the student-athletes at the University of Memphis was always evident. I know she will bring the same passion and energy that made her a key part of our conference to her new role at San José State."
Courtney Vinson, Senior Associate AD, Northern Illinois
"I am excited that San José State will experience the creativity, diligence and leadership that Kristan Kelly brings to the job every day. She provides a deep depth of understanding in compliance and administration. Kristan will support, encourage and challenge Spartan student-athletes to get their very best, while assisting coaches and staff in achieving their sport and program goals."
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