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Mekale Jackson
Sports Marketing Creative Content
Professional Background
Mekale Jackson is a highly accomplished branding and marketing professional with extensive expertise in sports marketing and digital media. Currently serving as the Assistant Athletic Director for St. John’s University, Mekale oversees the athletic department's creative services and digital media initiatives. His responsibilities encompass a wide array of creative tasks, including graphic design, photography, and content development across various platforms such as video, websites, social media, email, and mobile applications.
With a decade of experience, Mekale has consistently taken on increasing responsibilities. One of his notable contributions has been leading the Trademark Licensing program at St. John’s University, where he built strong relationships with hundreds of licensed vendors. This initiative has significantly expanded the university’s brand presence in the competitive New York market and across the nation, showcasing his ability to merge creative strategy with practical implementation.
Mekale’s work in the sports marketing arena extends beyond his role at St. John’s University. His professional journey includes prestigious positions such as the Senior Director of Global Social Media Strategy at Under Armour, and Associate Director of Digital Marketing and Strategy at Roc Nation Sports. Through these roles, Mekale has developed comprehensive strategies that have elevated brand engagement and outreach in the sports community.
Education and Achievements
Mekale Jackson is an alumnus of the University of Michigan, where he achieved his Bachelor of Arts in English, with a focus on English Language and Literature. His educational background at such a distinguished institution laid a strong foundation for his career and honed his critical thinking and communication skills, which are pivotal to his success in branding and marketing.
Throughout his career, Mekale has received numerous accolades recognizing his contributions to the field. His work has been acknowledged by the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) through several prestigious awards. However, Mekale considers his most significant accomplishments to be the successes of those he's mentored and guided. His leadership philosophy focuses on fostering the growth of others, and his former assistant’s progress in their careers is a testament to his impactful mentorship. For instance, one of his mentees is now a leading social media strategist with the NCAA, and another is a successful video editor with Major League Baseball (MLB).
Mekale's diverse professional experiences also include roles with world-renowned organizations, further solidifying his position as an industry leader. He has played a vital role in content creation and promotion for notable entities such as the NBA and the Phoenix Suns, showcasing his versatile skill set and adaptability in various settings.
Achievements
Mekale Jackson's impact on branding and marketing in the sports arena is profound and multi-faceted. Here are some of his key achievements:
- Leadership at St. John’s University: As the Assistant Athletic Director, Mekale successfully enhanced the creative services and digital media efforts, ensuring high-quality branding that resonates with the university's ethos.
- Trademark Licensing Program: He played a pivotal role in leading the Trademark Licensing program, leveraging relationships with licensed vendors to increase brand visibility in competitive markets.
- Awards from NACMA: Mekale's innovative strategies and successful campaigns have garnered multiple awards from the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators, reinforcing his status as a leader in out-of-the-box thinking and creativity in marketing.
- Mentorship: One of his proudest achievements is the successful career advancement of his mentees, some of whom have secured significant roles in prestigious sports organizations. This focus on developing future leaders exemplifies his commitment to positive influence and mentorship.
- Diverse Experience: With a robust portfolio that includes positions at Under Armour, Roc Nation Sports, Major League Soccer, and the NBA, Mekale has developed a deep understanding of the industry that informs his strategic vision and execution.
Mekale attributes his success to a combination of work ethic, a fast-learning ability, and a unique capacity to intertwine analytical problem-solving with creative expression. These competencies have proven invaluable not only in achieving professional milestones but also in developing a meaningful impact within the organizations he has been a part of. As he looks toward the future, Mekale remains committed to staying competitive and continues to seek innovative solutions and avenues for growth within the dynamic world of sports marketing.
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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.
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