Began at Illinois:

Marty Kaufmann was named senior associate athletics director - external relations, in May 2016. He previously served as assistant director of athletics since April 2004.

Education:

Kaufmann graduated from the University of Illinois in 1993 with a degree in business administration/marketing.

Responsibilities:

In his role, Kaufmann oversees the areas of corporate sponsorship, licensing, marketing, sports information, ticketing and event management. He manages the partnerships for several key corporate sponsors of the department, including Nike, Coca-Cola, State Farm, The University of Illinois Employees Credit Union and Gatorade. In addition, he works with Fighting Illini Sports Properties on a day-to-day basis to help in the management of their multimedia rights contract with DIA. Kaufmann has negotiated several revenue-generating agreements including those with Learfield Sports, The Collegiate Licensing Company and Nike.

Past Experiences:

Kaufmann has been the director of trademark licensing for the University of Illinois since 2004 and helps oversee brand management for the DIA. This work has included working with Nike on the rebranding of the Fighting Illini logos and graphic elements, including the current Block I and Victory Shield logos that were launched in April 2014.

Kaufmann worked in the Illinois Sports Information Office for six years before moving over to assist in corporate sponsorship and licensing operations in 1999. From 1999 - 2012, Kaufmann helped to manage the department's in-house corporate sponsorship program and statewide radio network, including sales and programming. During his time in the department, he has also overseen other areas including video and television production.

Personal:

Marty is a native of Jacksonville, Ill. He and wife, Jennifer, reside in Savoy along with their son, Nate and daughter, Emma.

Updated September 2020