Central Michigan Univ. named Univ. of Oklahoma Senior Associate AD/Administration & Development MICHAEL ALFORD Associate VP & AD. Alford replaces DAVE HEEKE, who left for the same position at Arizona in March. Alford has a "history of fundraising and marketing in college and professional athletics." He will begin July 3 (Mt. Pleasant MORNING SUN, 5/16). Alford "emerged as the last person standing in a wide-ranging search that netted Central Michigan about 40 candidates." Alford was one of four finalists for the job, beating out Notre Dame Senior Associate AD MIKE HARRITY, Univ. of Texas-Rio Grande Valley AD CHRIS KING and San Jose State interim AD MARIE TUITE, who was the "lone finalist with strong ties to Central Michigan and the state of Michigan" (DETROIT NEWS, 5/16).
RANGE FINDER: Golf Canada named former WTA Exec VP LAURENCE APPLEBAUM CEO, replacing SCOTT SIMMONS, who resigned last year after a decade with organization. Applebaum will begin in July. He most recently worked at the WTA for five years before departing in March. Applebaum also has had stints at Wilson Sports and Nike Golf Canada (John Lombardo, Staff Writer).
EXECS: LIU-Post promoted Senior Associate AD and Senior Woman Administrator DEBBIE DEJONG to AD. She succeeds BRYAN COLLINS, who "remains as the college's football coach" (NEWSDAY.com, 5/15)....The Bills named Texans Dir of Player Personnel BRIAN GAINE VP/Player Personnel (BUFFALONEWS.com, 5/15)....A source said that Chiefs Dir of Pro Scouting WILL LEWIS "won't return to the team." Chiefs Dir of Football Administration TRIP MACCRACKEN also was "not retained" (KANSASCITY.com, 5/15)....The North Face promoted VP & GM of the Americas ARNE ARENS to Global Brand President (VF Corp.)....The Golden Knights named Coyotes Team Services Manager RICK BRAUNSTEIN Dir of Player Services (REVIEWJOURNAL.com, 5/15)....Martinsville Speedway named Martinsville Bulletin Sports Editor HARRISON HAMLET Communications Manager. The track also promoted BLAKE COLLINS to Senior Manager of Business Development and ASHLEY OAKES to Senior Sales Manager (Martinsville Speedway)....Charlotte-based marketing agency Bespoke Sports & Entertainment named NICK CAREY Account Coordinator (Bespoke)....The NHL Kings named MARISA BLANCO Chariot Program & Events Coordinator (THE DAILY).
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