Valparaiso University director of athletics Mark LaBarbera has announced the hiring of Brad Swanson as the Crusaders’ new athletics sales coordinator.

In this position Swanson will be responsible for managing the group ticket sales along with assisting to promote athletics events.

“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to come home to Valpo and assist the athletic department in reaching its ticket sales and marketing goals,” Swanson said.

A 2008 graduate of Valparaiso University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, sports management, and marketing, Swanson served as a marketing assistant for Northwestern University athletics during the summer of 2010.  He also worked in that same role at Marquette University in 2008-2009 after serving as a student assistant for marketing and advertising at Valpo.  He also worked in the athletic ticket office at Valpo throughout his undergraduate years.

In addition, Swanson has worked crowd control for the Chicago Cubs and also worked as a game presentation assistant for the Gary SouthShore RailCats.

“We are excited to have a staff position dedicated to promoting our athletics events and to have that position filled by an alumnus with Brad’s experience and passion for Valpo,” LaBarbera said.