Brian Savard Named Director of Athletic Communications

August 11, 2016

Brian Savard, former SUNY New Paltz athletic communications director, has been named director of athletic communications at SUNY Plattsburgh effective Aug. 15, 2016.

Savard succeeds Charlie Hurley, who moved to Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas last year.

Savard served as the SUNY New Paltz athletic communications director for the past six years, managing public relations for New Paltz’s 15 varsity athletic teams.

As director of athletic communications at SUNY Plattsburgh, Savard will oversee media relations for all 17 men's and women's varsity sports. He will serve as the catalyst to the athletic website, www.gocardinalsports.com, along with the variety of social media platforms maintained by the department.

“We are extremely fortunate to add someone of Brian's caliber,” Director of Athletics Mike Howard said. “His extensive experience within the conference along with his connections nationally will position our athletic communications office positively for the future.”

Prior to working at SUNY New Paltz, Savard spent two years at the University of Redlands in Redlands, Calif., as a sports information assistant while obtaining a master's degree. Savard also gained experience through numerous internships including positions as a communications intern at the USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation in Lake Placid, N.Y., and a senior intern for Swimming World Magazine.

Savard received a B.A. in mass communications from Susquehanna University and was a student assistant in its athletic communications office during his senior year there. He was also a staff writer at Susquehanna’s student newspaper, The Crusader. Savard was a student athlete himself, competing on the Susquehanna swim team for four years.

He received the 2014-2015 Grant Burger Media Award for the Division III women’s volleyball northeast region. The award, given by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, recognizes outstanding promotion of a volleyball team. In addition to serving on numerous campus committees, Savard also served as the chair of the SUNY Athletic Conference Sports Information Directors' Committee from 2013 to 2016.

“Having worked in the SUNYAC the past six years, I have acquired an appreciation for the tradition of success enjoyed by Plattsburgh State athletics,” Savard said.

“Plattsburgh State is one of the elite names in NCAA Division III, and I look forward to enhancing its already-established brand. With student-athletes who excel both in competition and in the classroom, Plattsburgh State offers me the opportunity to tell the unique stories of elite individuals who personify the ideals of Division III athletics.”