John McNamara joined the University of Hawai‘i staff as associate athletics director for external affairs in February, 2004.

He supervises marketing, corporate partnerships, media relations, advertising, promotions, licensing, and merchandising, as well as overseeing television, radio, computer operations, and internet initiatives. He also works closely with the ticket office and was instrumental in the launch of UH's online digital ticketing system.

McNamara ensures that all external areas are communicating and working in conjunction with each other, so the department’s efforts are coordinated and optimized.

“In order to maximize exposure and revenue opportunities, we’ve built synergy between our various departments so that information is shared and goals are clearly defined,” McNamara said.

“It’s important that we work as a team and strive for the same ends through similar means. Therefore, we’ve created an organized structure and clear guidelines that put both internal and external constituencies on the same page. We have some very talented and dedicated individuals on our staff and their coordinated efforts are crucial to our success.”

During his four-year tenure, McNamara has made a big impact. He focused the department’s branding efforts and integrated them into all external programs. Marketing plans were developed for each men’s and women’s sport and the Corporate Partnership Program was given additional emphasis, resulting in a record $2.6 million in sponsorship sales. He orchestrated the creation of a new website (HawaiiAthletics.com) and weekly e-newsletters to UH fans (H-Mail). In addition, several new fan promotions and activities have been created for men’s and women’s sports.

McNamara also helped develop clearly defined media policies and new licensing and merchandising strategies, as well as being instrumental in the formation of the “Manoa Maniacs” (student spirit group), the “UH Kids’ Club,” and the “Family Zone,” a non-alcohol section at UH football games.

He helped negotiate the current television agreement with KHNL/KFVE that includes a record $1.75 million annual rights fee. He also assists with administration of NCAA and Western Athletics Conference regulations, university-wide initiatives, contract negotiations, and community outreach programs.

Prior to coming to Hawai‘i, McNamara, 45, was the associate commissioner for external affairs at Conference USA (1999-2004), associate commissioner of the Western Athletic Conference (1995-99), assistant commissioner of the Mid-American Conference (1991-95), and sports information director at the University of Toledo (1988-91).

McNamara began his collegiate athletic career in 1985, when he was hired as assistant sports information director at the University of Toledo. He was promoted to sports information director in 1988 and, at 25 years old, became the youngest SID at a Division I-A school.

In 1991, he was named assistant commissioner of the Mid-American Conference, where he coordinated the conference’s external affairs, including television, marketing, corporate development, advertising, media relations, licensing, and merchandising.

In 1995, he joined the Western Athletic Conference as associate commissioner, overseeing marketing, corporate development, advertising, promotions, licensing and merchandising. He also served as director of the WAC’s football championship game for three years.

McNamara spent four years at Conference USA as the associate commissioner for external affairs, supervising television, marketing, media relations, corporate development, advertising, promotions, merchandising, and licensing.

He served as the conference’s liaison to ESPN, ESPN Regional, and Fox Sports Net, as well as executive director of the C-USA Television Network and director of the men’s basketball tournament.

He created and administered Corporate Partnership Programs at the MAC, WAC, and C-USA.
McNamara graduated from the University of Toledo in 1985 with a bachelor of arts degree in communications, specializing in TV broadcasting and minoring in political science.

He is a native of Toledo, Ohio, and graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School. He has four brothers and five sisters.

McNamara enjoys golf, tennis, swimming, and traveling.

He is married to former Hilo, Hawaii, resident Sherry Menor and the couple resides in Honolulu.

McNamara’s Collegiate Experience
2004 –                   University of Hawaii, Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs
1999 – 2004         Conference USA, Associate Commissioner for External Affairs
1995 – 1999         Western Athletic Conference, Associate Commissioner
1991 – 1995         Mid-American Conference, Assistant Commissioner
1988 – 1991         University of Toledo, Sports Information Director
1985 – 1988         University of Toledo, Assistant Sports Information Director