Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Massaro tabs De León to lead external affairs
11/11/2021 2:04:00 PM | General
Lee De León, a veteran in athletic development and external affairs, has been named the Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations as announced by Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. De León takes over for David Blackburn in the Blue Raider Athletic Association office and will begin his new role on Nov. 29.
"Lee De León brings a great background and experience in athletic fundraising, marketing, and administration," said Massaro. "He is energetic, passionate and has a proven track record at all of his previous stops. We look forward to him joining the Blue Raider family and being a vital part of our fundraising and external efforts during an exciting time for our department."
De León makes his way to Murfreesboro after spending the previous two years at Louisiana in the role of Executive Director of RCAF and Deputy Director of Athletics. Under De León's leadership, the RCAF raised over $42 million since he arrived in July 2019.
De León (pronounced DAY LEE ON) will work in collaboration with University Advancement, the BRAA Board of Directors and the Department of Athletics in providing leadership and guidance to the BRAA's investment cultivation, major gift planning, premium seating and capital campaign coordination. He will oversee, direct, and manage all aspects of Athletic Development, Sponsorships, Marketing, Merchandise, and Licensures associated with the MTSU Athletic Department. De León will also serve as a member of the athletic department's executive leadership team and provide oversight of the Baseball, Men's and Women's Tennis, and Men's and Women's Golf programs.
"I am extremely excited about the opportunity at MTSU and to be a part of Blue Raider Athletics," said De León. "I believe in the vision Dr. (Sidney) McPhee and Chris Massaro have for the University and athletic department and we can't wait to get there and get to work."
Formerly the athletics director at Abilene Christian from 2014-18, De León's career in college athletics features notable stops at Purdue (2018-19), New Mexico (2011-2014), Arizona (2008-11) and Houston (2005-2008). At the time of his appointment at ACU, De León was the youngest Division I athletics director in the country.
Under De León's watch, Abilene Christian's annual revenue grew by 81 percent, which allowed for a nearly 40 percent increase in the organization's operating budget. Securing multi-year contracts with Nike, IMG and Vivature, as well as the creation of the Wildcat Club, the official fundraising organization of ACU Athletics, made the tremendous growth possible. In its initial year, the Wildcat Club raised more than $6.25 million through annual fund, capital gifts, endowments and sport-specific donations.
Previously, De León served as executive senior associate athletics director/assistant vice president for development at Purdue, where he managed day-to-day operations of the John Purdue Club, which is responsible for the fundraising efforts for the Boilermakers' 500 student-athletes.
From 2011 to 2014, De León was the associate director of athletics for development at New Mexico. He also served as the executive director of the Lobo Club, UNM's official fundraising organization for athletics that raises funds for all Lobo teams, programs and student-athletes. Prior to New Mexico, De León worked three years (2008-11) at Arizona, first as the director of annual giving before earning a promotion to assistant athletics director for major gifts and annual giving.
Before his time at New Mexico and Arizona, De León spent three years (2005-08) at Houston as assistant director of marketing and director of marketing. De León began his career in college athletics at LSU in 2005 as a marketing assistant.
A native of Houston, De León earned a Bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Notre Dame in 2004 and a Master's degree in sport management from Texas A&M University in 2005. He and his wife, Lacey, have two sons, Landon and Luke.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT DE LEÓN
Ian McCaw, Liberty University Athletics Director
Lee is an exceptional choice to lead Middle Tennessee's development and external affairs efforts. He is a gifted leader who possesses outstanding interpersonal and relational skills. Lee's strong track record of securing major gifts signals a bright future at MTSU. Moreover, Lee and his wife Lacey will be wonderful additions to the University community."
Bryan Maggard, Louisiana Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics
Lee De León is a quality professional, person, and family man. His passion is contagious and he is committed to excellence in everything he does. He will bring an energy level that is second to none and his ability to engage and build relationships with university constituents will be a tremendous asset to MTSU.
Graham Neff, Clemson Deputy Director of Athletics
Lee has been a very close friend and colleague for a long time and I couldn't be more excited for him to join the Murfreesboro community. His expertise and regard in the industry will perfectly fit the opportunities ahead with Dr. McPhee, Chris and the leadership teams at MTSU. I know the Blue Raider family will enjoy and embrace the De Leóns.
Mack Rhoades, Baylor Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Lee DeLeon is a high quality administrator and person. His love and passion for developing the student-athlete and proven ability to generate revenue and lead people will serve the MTSU athletic department very well. Lee, Lacey, Landon and Luke will be great additions to the Murfreesboro community.
"Lee De León brings a great background and experience in athletic fundraising, marketing, and administration," said Massaro. "He is energetic, passionate and has a proven track record at all of his previous stops. We look forward to him joining the Blue Raider family and being a vital part of our fundraising and external efforts during an exciting time for our department."
De León makes his way to Murfreesboro after spending the previous two years at Louisiana in the role of Executive Director of RCAF and Deputy Director of Athletics. Under De León's leadership, the RCAF raised over $42 million since he arrived in July 2019.
De León (pronounced DAY LEE ON) will work in collaboration with University Advancement, the BRAA Board of Directors and the Department of Athletics in providing leadership and guidance to the BRAA's investment cultivation, major gift planning, premium seating and capital campaign coordination. He will oversee, direct, and manage all aspects of Athletic Development, Sponsorships, Marketing, Merchandise, and Licensures associated with the MTSU Athletic Department. De León will also serve as a member of the athletic department's executive leadership team and provide oversight of the Baseball, Men's and Women's Tennis, and Men's and Women's Golf programs.
"I am extremely excited about the opportunity at MTSU and to be a part of Blue Raider Athletics," said De León. "I believe in the vision Dr. (Sidney) McPhee and Chris Massaro have for the University and athletic department and we can't wait to get there and get to work."
Formerly the athletics director at Abilene Christian from 2014-18, De León's career in college athletics features notable stops at Purdue (2018-19), New Mexico (2011-2014), Arizona (2008-11) and Houston (2005-2008). At the time of his appointment at ACU, De León was the youngest Division I athletics director in the country.
Under De León's watch, Abilene Christian's annual revenue grew by 81 percent, which allowed for a nearly 40 percent increase in the organization's operating budget. Securing multi-year contracts with Nike, IMG and Vivature, as well as the creation of the Wildcat Club, the official fundraising organization of ACU Athletics, made the tremendous growth possible. In its initial year, the Wildcat Club raised more than $6.25 million through annual fund, capital gifts, endowments and sport-specific donations.
Previously, De León served as executive senior associate athletics director/assistant vice president for development at Purdue, where he managed day-to-day operations of the John Purdue Club, which is responsible for the fundraising efforts for the Boilermakers' 500 student-athletes.
From 2011 to 2014, De León was the associate director of athletics for development at New Mexico. He also served as the executive director of the Lobo Club, UNM's official fundraising organization for athletics that raises funds for all Lobo teams, programs and student-athletes. Prior to New Mexico, De León worked three years (2008-11) at Arizona, first as the director of annual giving before earning a promotion to assistant athletics director for major gifts and annual giving.
Before his time at New Mexico and Arizona, De León spent three years (2005-08) at Houston as assistant director of marketing and director of marketing. De León began his career in college athletics at LSU in 2005 as a marketing assistant.
A native of Houston, De León earned a Bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Notre Dame in 2004 and a Master's degree in sport management from Texas A&M University in 2005. He and his wife, Lacey, have two sons, Landon and Luke.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT DE LEÓN
Ian McCaw, Liberty University Athletics Director
Lee is an exceptional choice to lead Middle Tennessee's development and external affairs efforts. He is a gifted leader who possesses outstanding interpersonal and relational skills. Lee's strong track record of securing major gifts signals a bright future at MTSU. Moreover, Lee and his wife Lacey will be wonderful additions to the University community."
Bryan Maggard, Louisiana Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics
Lee De León is a quality professional, person, and family man. His passion is contagious and he is committed to excellence in everything he does. He will bring an energy level that is second to none and his ability to engage and build relationships with university constituents will be a tremendous asset to MTSU.
Graham Neff, Clemson Deputy Director of Athletics
Lee has been a very close friend and colleague for a long time and I couldn't be more excited for him to join the Murfreesboro community. His expertise and regard in the industry will perfectly fit the opportunities ahead with Dr. McPhee, Chris and the leadership teams at MTSU. I know the Blue Raider family will enjoy and embrace the De Leóns.
Mack Rhoades, Baylor Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Lee DeLeon is a high quality administrator and person. His love and passion for developing the student-athlete and proven ability to generate revenue and lead people will serve the MTSU athletic department very well. Lee, Lacey, Landon and Luke will be great additions to the Murfreesboro community.
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