ALBANY, N.Y. - The University at Albany has announced the promotions of Nathaniel Mason and Connor Russell and the hiring of Elyse Zima.
 
Hired as the Great Danes' Assistant Athletic Director for Ticket Sales & Strategy in November 2015, Mason's role has expanded to include Donor Relations. 
 
"Nate has shown great leadership and growth while supervising the ticketing department for us," said Vic Cegles, Deputy Athletic Director. "He has built relationships with our core season ticket holders and understands the needs of our donors. This role is a perfect fit, and we are excited for him and his new responsibilities."
 
In his new role as Assistant Athletic Director of Ticket Sales and Donor Relations, Mason will build on his previous job responsibilities which included serving as the contact for season ticket holders and facilitating and tracking the sale of season tickets, premium seating, and group sales. He will continue to build upon his relationships within the community, fostering new and existing donor relationships and working closely with the UAlbany Foundation to help grow the Great Dane Athletic Club (GDAC).
 
Just one year after becoming a member of the Great Danes' equipment staff, Connor Russell has been promoted to the Assistant Athletic Director of Equipment Operations.
 
"Connor's work ethic, positive attitude, and ability to manage various tasks make him a perfect fit for this position," said Travis Wilson, Associate Athletic Director for Business. "I am confident he will continue to improve the operations in our equipment room while helping our student-athletes and coaches be successful moving forward."
 
In his new role, Russell will oversee all equipment operations in the athletic department including ordering the proper gear, clothing, and equipment for student-athletes and staff. He will maintain his duties as equipment manager of the men's and women's lacrosse and men's and women's soccer teams, while also adding gameday equipment operations for men's lacrosse and football.
 
Joining the Great Danes in a new role, Elyse Zima was hired in June as the Assistant Director of Marketing & Fan Experience. 
 
"We are very excited to add Elyse to our external team here at UAlbany," said Griffith Hunter, Assistant Athletic Director of External Relations. "She brings with her a multitude of knowledge and experience and we're excited to utilize these attributes to continue to grow and improve our marketing initiatives and boost our overall fan experience." 
 
As a member of the external team, Zima is responsible for developing and executing various marketing initiatives, with a focus on basketball, soccer, and women's lacrosse. Zima will also oversee the mascot program and will be tasked with engaging the student body to increase student involvement and boost the overall fan experience for students and fans.
 
A Capital Region local, Zima returns to Albany after having spent time as the Athletes Village Manager for the 2023 FISU World University Games in Lake Placid.
 
Zima also brings with here a plethora of additional experience including spending six years with the Tri-City ValleyCats as the Community & Promotions Manager and additional opportunities with Walt Disney World Resorts, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Time Warner Cable: Capital News 9 and the Inn at Erlowest in Lake George.
 
For more information on University at Albany athletics, follow the department's official social media accounts shown below.
Twitter - @ualbanysports
Instagram - @ualbanysports
Facebook - facebook.com/UAlbanySports