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Sr. Associate AD Mark Brand to be Inducted into CoSIDA Hall of Fame

by thesundevils.com
Feb 21, 2022

GREENWOOD, IN - Sun Devil Athletics Senior Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations Mark Brand will be inducted into the Collegiate Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Hall of Fame, the organization announced today.

For the past 38 years, Mark Brand has been an institution at Arizona State, emerging as one of the most trusted public relations professionals in the country. Long considered by his peers as one of the best in the business, Brand now has the recognition to back it up, earning the premiere honor in the industry.

"No one cares more about Sun Devil Athletics than Mark Brand," Vice President for University Athletics Ray Anderson remarked. "Since the day I arrived at Arizona State, I could not have been more impressed with him. He is the ultimate professional who handles himself with poise and class. I admire the way he treats people and feel very fortunate to get to work with him."

"I am confident Mark Brand is simply one of the best employees Arizona State has ever had," Assistant AD for Media Relations Doug Tammaro stated. "Not just athletics. What he has done for this university behind the scenes is incredible. He's an amazing father, husband, friend and leader and does it all without fanfare or needing applause."

Brand joined Sun Devil Athletics back in 1983 as an Assistant SID for baseball, men's basketball, and football before becoming Sports Information Director in 1987. He has worked as a member of the Senior Administration at ASU for many years, overseeing the publicity of football, managing the budget, and handling football scheduling. 

Over his 40+ years in the business, Brand has been in charge of media relations at countless major events. He served as the Media Coordinator for 11 NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball First & Second Rounds and Regional Championships while at ASU. He has been a member of the Board of Directors and Vice-President of The Valley of the Sun Chapter of The National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame since 1989. Recently, Brand was selected to be a member of the District 7 Screening Committee of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.  Brand has won several awards previously from CoSIDA for his publications.

During his time running the Arizona State Media Relations Department, Brand has also developed and mentored hundreds of young professionals. He has been extremely influential in the lives of many ASU employees and students, known for his personal touch and genuine intentions. Working closely with Doug Tammaro for the past 25 years, the duo has built one of the most impressive "coaching trees" in the nation. Visit this link for more information about the former staff and students that have come through the Sun Devil Media Relations office and been impacted by Brand. 

Prior to his stint at ASU, Brand was the Assistant Sports Information Director at East Carolina University from 1981 through 1983. At ECU Brand served as the publicity director for baseball, women's basketball, soccer, track and field, swimming and diving, and assisted with football and men's basketball. He also published all media guides and game programs for the aforementioned sports.

To make the news extra special, it was delivered by his wife, Lori, and their two daughters, Ashley and Lindsey. Lori has been there every step of the way dating back to their days together at Purdue, always his biggest supporter. Brand is a 1981 graduate of Purdue University, where he worked in the Sports Information Office for four years. Lori is also a 1981 graduate of Purdue.

He and his wife reside in Phoenix. Their two daughters, Ashley and Lindsey, still live in the Valley. One is recently married and the other engaged. Both kids are also graduates of Arizona State University, with Ashley earning her degree in 2012 and Lindsey in 2016.

Brand is from Muncie, Indiana and graduated from Delta High School in 1977.

2022 CoSIDA Hall of Fame Class:

  • Mark Brand – Arizona State University, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Media Relations
  • Joe Hernandez – former Ball State University Associate Director of Athletics /past CoSIDA President
  • Gina Lehe – NCAA, Managing Director of Communications - Strategy and Branding
  • Lenny Reich – University of Mount Union, Assistant Athletic Director/Sports Information Director
  • Steve Roe – University of Iowa, Assistant Athletics Director, Athletic Communications
  • Bob Smith – former Rutgers University Sports Information Director/past CoSIDA President (deceased)

"I am incredibly proud and honored to recognize this distinguished CoSIDA Hall of Fame class of 2022," stated CoSIDA President Cindy Potter. "What an amazing milestone for each of you! We thank Mark, Gina, Lenny, Joe, Steve and Bob for being consistent champions for this profession, mentors to many and a shining example of passion and dedication."

"To be selected as a member of your national association's hall of fame class is the ultimate compliment," CoSIDA Executive Director Doug Vance added. "It serves as the conclusive statement that you have been among the very best in your profession. I salute Mark, Gina, Lenny, Joe, Steve and Bob for their commitment to excellence and achieving this meaningful honor."

These six members of the Hall of Fame class will be inducted into the Hall on Monday, June 27 in ceremonies during a special CoSIDA Celebrations Award night presented by ESPN (5:30-7 pm) at the Mandalay Bay Resort.

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