Some of my favorite quotes from this:
Football/Rent Expansion: He led a feasibility study for planned renovations to the North end zone at Jordan-Hare Stadium. He coordinated the department's investment and development of a new $14 million video board and sound system and other improvements at the stadium.
Hoops: Serving as sports administrator for Auburn men's basketball, Benedict assisted Jacobs in the national search that landed Head Coach Bruce Pearl. Benedict also provides ongoing support for Auburn football.
Football Gameday Atmosphere (sorely in need of an injection of excitement): The daily grind is worth it for Benedict when it comes time to watch the eagle soar above 87,451 fans at Jordan-Hare Stadium, or listen to the roar of the crowd as the band takes the field. It's all special to him, just as it is to the Auburn Family.
"I don't think people really have a true appreciation of how great the experience on a game day Saturday is at Auburn," Benedict said. "With all the places that I have been, there is no question Auburn is by far and away the best college game day experience I have ever been a part of, both professionally and personal. It is really special."
Fundraising: Auburn - As COO, Benedict directs all day-to-day operations for the department. In his short time at Auburn, Benedict has an impressive track record of success in operational planning, resource allocation, budget development and strong financial management. Partnering with Jacobs, he has led the department's staff in developing strategic long-range plans for a $120+ million budget, facilities, staffing and accomplishing strategic goals.
Minnesota - During his tenure at Minnesota, Benedict worked with the University of Minnesota Foundation to create a framework for the largest athletic campaign in history. He worked closely with the AD to create new strategic plan and master facility plan; played a key role in a highly successful search for a men's basketball coach; managed third party vendors with record results; and served as the athletics department's representative in contract negotiations of the Minnesota Vikings' facility use agreement, which generated a minimum of $6 million over a two-year period.
VCU - Among other highlights, Benedict directed a campaign to raise $3.5 million for a new club seating and suite project, raised $1.5 million in 36 hours to retain Head Basketball Coach Shaka Smart and developed a dynamic sales plan for the ticket sales staff, resulting in record sales in basketball and baseball.
Long Beach - Benedict was Senior Associate Athletic Director at Long Beach State University from 2007-2010. He administered all external areas of the department and directly supervised the baseball program and volunteer boards. While at Long Beach State, Benedict restructured the department's fundraising operation, initiated a $35 million capital campaign, closed a $5 million gift for a new team center, a $1.5 million naming gift for a new tennis facility and two other seven-figure gifts. Overall fundraising totals increased each year of his tenure.
ASU - Benedict was Associate Athletic Director of Development at Arizona State University from 1996 to 2006. During his time at ASU, Benedict raised $5 million for multiple facility renovations and expansions, solicited a $1 million matching contribution for the Annual Fund, implemented new annual giving programs and directed specialty fundraising campaigns.
Media Rights: He also successfully worked with stakeholders to streamline communications and operations related to sports marketing and promotions, television, media relations, ticketing, community outreach and sponsorships.
Bottomline: if there was still any slight sliver of doubt out there in Boneyardland or anywhere else that President Herbst isn't on top of this (and the best possible leader for UConn), this hire should just about seal those up. My goodness, this is a home run hire.
