Tim Buckley
Tim Buckley

The NCAA names Tim Buckley senior vice president of external affairs, effective March 1. Buckley was most recently chief of staff to incoming NCAA president Charlie Baker while Baker served as governor of Massachusetts. He was also communications director for Baker’s successful 2014 campaign and served as both communications director and senior advisor to the former governor. At the NCAA, Buckley will oversee the association's government relations and communications efforts to strengthen relationships with key constituents at the state and federal levels. He will also engage membership, media, policymakers, coalitions and other stakeholders to advance the NCAA's mission and goals. "Tim's experience will be vital as we work with policy makers across the country to build a responsible and sustainable future for college athletics," said Baker. The NCAA has also promoted Gina Lehe, who joined the organization as managing director of communications in 2019, to vice president of communications.

Courtney Quaye
Courtney Quaye

FleishmanHillard promotes Courtney Quaye to general manager of its Chicago office. Quaye has been a part of the firm’s Chicago office since 2009, most recently leading its PepsiCo work as senior vice president and partner. Prior to joining FleishmanHillard, he played significant roles in building, reinforcing and maintaining the reputations for major brands across industries including food, personal care and sports, at agencies including Edelman and Weber Shandwick. “Courtney has been an outstanding global client leader for a number of years, skillfully ensuring our clients are receiving the best ideas and work from the agency, while also ensuring our people have the resources they need to learn, grow and thrive,” said FleishmanHillard global COO and president, Americas J.J. Carter.

SJ Luedtke

Houston Dynamo Football Club, a Major League Soccer team, hires SJ (Sarah Jo) Luedtke as chief marketing officer. Luedtke was most recently vice president of marketing for the NTT IndyCar Series. She previously held several executive brand marketing positions at Nike and was an account director at Wunderman. In her new post, Luedtke will oversee media relations, creative content, advertising, retail, youth programs, community engagement and fan development for the Dynamo, Dash (the organization’s National Women’s Soccer League team), Shell Energy Stadium and Houston Sports Park. “Given her background with both challenger brands and global brands, she’s uniquely qualified to take the Dynamo and Dash to new heights,” said HDFC chief operating officer Jessica O’Neill.