MAAC Staff Adds Appelblatt, Promotes McQuade, O’Connor, and Shi
MAAC Staff Adds Appelblatt, Promotes McQuade, O’Connor, and Shi
EDISON, N.J. – The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) announced this week the hiring of Elyse Appelblatt to the role of Director of New Media/Communications as well as the promotions of current employees Valerie McQuade, Taylor O’Connor, and Cindy Shi.
“The MAAC is pleased to announce the staff promotions and additions as it prepares for a busy upcoming academic year of championships, hosting MTEs and NCAA Championship basketball games as well as an exciting transition of its own men’s and women’s basketball championships to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey in March of 2020,” notes MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor. “Acquiring the services of so many bright and energetic young administrators is beneficial to the MAAC as it enters into a new era of hosting its first ever Esports Championships in 2020. It also is indicative of the MAAC being a great company for these administrators to fine tune their skills and move up the career ladder, based on working with NCAA Championships staff, our colleagues at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at the Walt Disney World Resort or any of the many other groups including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.”
As Director of New Media/Communications, Appelblatt will be the main contact for men’s basketball, baseball, men’s soccer, volleyball, men’s lacrosse, and water polo. Appelblatt graduated from Indiana University in May of 2018 with a B.S. in Sport Communication. Appelblatt most recently worked for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl as a Digital Media and Marketing Assistant, where she oversaw the organization’s digital strategy, including graphic design, social media, and email marketing. Prior to her time with the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Appelblatt spent time with the Atlanta United as a Game Day Communications Assistant, volunteered for the Super Bowl LIII host committee and the MLS Cup, and worked with Indiana University Athletics as a Student Assistant in the Marketing and Media Relations departments.
McQuade takes over as the Assistant Commissioner of New Media. She most recently served as the Interim Director of Marketing this past academic year. In conjunction with Ensor, she will spearhead the MAAC’s marketing efforts moving forward as well as overseeing the new media department. McQuade was a member of the Niagara University women’s basketball team from 2011-15, completing her undergrad with a B.S. in Marketing and received her M.B.A. in Strategic Management in 2016. From 2016-18, McQuade played professionally in Germany as a member of the Chemnitz Chemcats.
O’Connor moves to the role of Director of New Media/Communications after serving as the Interim Assistant Director for the 2018-19 year. O’Connor will be the primary media relations contact for the sports of women’s basketball, women’s soccer, women’s lacrosse, softball, and men’s and women’s tennis. O’Connor graduated from Siena College in the spring of 2018 with a B.S. in Marketing, working in the athletics department during his time as a student. O’Connor has also spent time working with the Albany Devils AHL hockey team in the sales department, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour as an operations intern, and GTM Payroll Services in the marketing division.
Shi becomes the newest member of the championships staff after being named Director of Championships. She most recently served as the Interim Director of Championships for the 2018-19 year. Shi will oversee the implementation and execution of the cross country, men’s soccer, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, and water polo MAAC Championships. A member of the Binghamton University Women’s Swimming and Diving team from 2013-17, Shi graduated with a B.A. in Economics. Prior to her time at the MAAC, Shi interned with Binghamton Athletics, worked for the New York Giants Football team, and volunteered at the annual MAAC Basketball Championships and NCAA Basketball Regionals.
About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference:
With 11 institutions strongly bound by the sound principles of quality and integrity in academics and excellence in athletics, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) is in its 38
th year of competition during the 2018-19 academic year. Current Conference members include: Canisius College, Fairfield University, Iona College, Manhattan College, Marist College, Monmouth University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Saint Peter’s University, and Siena College.