Began at Illinois:
April, 2014

Education:
Swanson received a BSBA from Valparaiso University in 2008 with a degree in sports management and marketing. He went on to complete his MBA at UMass-Amherst in 2010.

Job Responsibilities:
Swanson oversees the marketing and promotions of all non-athletics events held at State Farm Center, including related ad placement, venue website upkeep, social media content, media communications, and more.

Past Experience:
Prior to his current role, Swanson served as the Director of Marketing for Fighting Illini Athletics for two years. He oversaw marketing for men’s basketball and was the DIA liaison to the Illini Pride student spirit group.

Swanson began his career as a marketing assistant in the athletics department at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis. Following his stint there, he earned his MBA at UMass – Amherst before heading back to Valpo as assistant director of marketing in 2010.

In December 2011 Brad moved to Akron, Ohio to serve as Director of Marketing and Promotions at The University of Akron. While with the Zips, Brad served as the marketing contact for Football and Men’s Basketball. He also managed a marketing unit that set sales and attendance records while earning three recognitions from the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators

Personal:
Swanson is a native of Lansing, Ill., a south suburb of Chicago, and resides in Urbana with his dogs Tucker and Rowan.

Updated January 2020