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Mat Kanan
Assistant AD, Development Communications & Administration at Oregon State University Foundation
Professional Background
Mat Kanan is an accomplished professional in the field of sports management and communications. With a solid foundation built upon meaningful education and diverse experiences, Mat has dedicated his career to enhancing the representation of college athletics. His journey began with his Bachelor's degree in Journalism with a focus on Public Relations from the esteemed Ohio University, where he honed his skills in communication and media relations. Mat continued his educational voyage by obtaining a Master’s degree in Sports Management from Western Michigan University, a choice that equipped him with the theoretical knowledge and practical insights necessary for success in a highly competitive industry.
In his professional capacity, Mat has served as the Assistant Athletic Director of Development, Communications & Administration at Oregon State University. This role not only allowed him to leverage his expertise in athletic communications but also to engage in development initiatives that foster the growth of the athletic program. Serving in this position, Mat has significantly influenced the department's outreach and engagement strategies, recognizing the importance of building a brand that resonates with the audience. His past positions include serving as the Assistant AD for Development, Communications & Administration at the Oregon State University Foundation, where he was instrumental in creating strategic communication plans and fundraising initiatives.
Prior to his tenure at Oregon State, Mat served as the Director of Athletic Media Relations at Western Michigan University. Here, he was responsible for the management of media relations, helping to shape the university's athletic brand while ensuring accurate and timely dissemination of information. He also held the position of Associate Director of Athletic Communications at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where he contributed to enhancing the visibility and reputation of the university's athletic programs.
In addition to his collegiate roles, Mat began his career as a Project Coordinator at Qwest Communications, where he developed essential project management skills and gained invaluable experience that would later inform his work in the sports sector. Throughout his career, Mat has exemplified a Type A personality, characterized by his proactive approach and commitment to excellence. He adheres to the principle of not asking others to do something he wouldn’t do himself, demonstrating his dedication to leadership and teamwork.
Education and Achievements
Mat's educational journey has been pivotal in shaping his skills and competencies. His undergraduate studies at Ohio University laid the groundwork for a career in journalism and public relations, instilling in him the core principles of effective communication. The transition to Western Michigan University for his master's program allowed Mat to specialize further and understand the unique intersection of sports and media.
Throughout his career, Mat has engaged with various professional organizations and networks that have further enhanced his growth. He understands the importance of continuous learning and actively seeks out opportunities to develop professionally. This holistic approach to education and career development empowers him to stay ahead of trends in college athletics, particularly as the industry increasingly recognizes the significance of personal branding and online reputation management.
Achievements
Mat Kanan has achieved remarkable success in building and managing brands within the realm of college athletics. His insightful understanding of the dynamics of audience engagement has led to innovative strategies designed to connect college athletes with their fans and create a cohesive identity for sports programs. By emphasizing the importance of listening to the audience, Mat has fostered environments where communication and engagement thrive.
Additionally, Mat's leadership roles have enabled him to drive substantial growth in fundraising and development initiatives. His strategic foresight has played a vital role in elevating athletic departments’ outreach efforts, with a clear emphasis on the importance of representing oneself authentically both offline and online. Under his guidance, several programs have strengthened their media relations, achieving increased visibility and fostering stronger connections with alumni and communities.
In summary, Mat Kanan's blend of educational background, professional experience, and achievements reflects a commitment to excellence in sports management and communications. His understanding of the brand-building process in college athletics, combined with a proven track record of enhancing communication strategies, makes him a valuable asset to any organization in the sports sector.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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