Murtagh named Director of Marketing and Community Relations

The University of Montana has named Michael Murtagh the Grizzlies' new Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Community Relations, UM senior associate AD Greg Sundberg announced Monday.

A ten-year industry veteran, Murtagh comes to Montana from the University of Iowa, where he oversaw marketing initiatives for four different Hawkeye sports as an Assistant Marketing Director.

"We are excited to welcome Mike and his family to the Griz family," said Sundberg.

"Mike's marketing expertise and passion for college athletics certainly shined through during the hiring process. I believe he will be a great team member and leader for our department and the University of Montana."

For four years at Iowa, Murtagh served as the primary marketing contact for baseball, volleyball, and women's gymnastics, while also assisting with Hawkeye football and men's basketball.

During his time in Iowa City, his marketing initiatives helped teams break multiple attendance records while at the same time growing group and season ticket sales. In 2018 attendance at Hawkeye women's gymnastics events grew by 32-percent and had the most fans in the nation.

His digital advertising plans provided Iowa volleyball with an over 500-percent return on investment. He also revitalized the Junior Hawk Club with new experiences and promotional opportunities and generated roughly $75,000 in revenue for the department over three years.

Prior to that, he spent one year as an assistant at Arkansas State and one season at Western Kentucky. He began his career at his alma mater SUNY Brockport in upstate New York, where he earned both bachelor's and master's degrees.

At Montana, he will lead the marketing efforts of the Grizzly external operations team while developing a comprehensive plan to drive growth in event attendance, revenue generation, and the in-game fan experience.

"My family and I are thrilled to join the University Montana. It was clear from the moment I met with the search committee they have a deep love for the university and understand and appreciate the positive role intercollegiate athletics plays in the community," said Murtagh.

"I am excited to work with the student-athletes, coaches, staff, the community of Missoula, and the incredible fan base to build on past success and create a shared vision for the future of Montana athletics."

Before his time at Iowa, Murtagh oversaw marketing for Arkansas State volleyball, baseball, and men's and women's basketball while directing on-field promotions for football. While in Jonesboro, attendance at Red Wolf men's basketball increased 225-percent, rising from No. 11 in the Sun Belt Conference to No. 2 in the 2016-17 season.

At Western Kentucky, he created multiple social media ad campaigns that resulted in over $33,000 in new revenue and increased student attendance at soccer matches by over 33-percent.

Murtagh takes over the role of Marketing Director from Brynn Molloy, who served at UM for 15 years and recently departed for a marketing and development opportunity in the nonprofit sector.

He is joined in Missoula by his wife Rachel, sons Dominik and Bryce, and Daughter Miley.

University of Montana Athletics

Murtagh named Director of Marketing and Community Relations

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