June 7, 2011
Albuquerque, N.M. — University of New Mexico Vice President of Athletics Paul Krebs has announced that Lee De Leon has been named Associate Athletic Director for Development, taking over for Larry Ryan, who left the position to become Vice President for University Development with the university.
De Leon comes to the Duke City after a three-year stint with the University of Arizona as Assistant Athletic Director – Annual Giving & Major Gifts, where he was a part of the A.D.’s Senior Staff. In that position, De Leon oversaw the annual giving and marketing efforts for the Wildcat Club, the main fundraising arm for Arizona. He also identified and secured major gifts for Wildcat athletics. In his three years with Arizona, he helped increase Wildcat Club membership from 6,000 to 9,000 members, a 50% increase.
Additionally, Wildcat Club retention rate increased from 85% to 93% last year, as he had a hand in raising over $18 million for Wildcat athletics.
“We are very excited about having Lee De Leon join the Lobo athletic program,” said Paul Krebs. “Lee brings with him a tremendous track record of success from both Arizona and the University of Houston. He has been involved in senior athletics administration for his entire career, and he will be able to bring a new perspective to the Lobo Club. He is passionate, energetic, and driven. He and his wife Lacey will be great additions to our community.”
De Leon also spent three years at the University of Houston, first as the assistant director of marketing before being promoted to director from 2006-08. With Houston, he was directly responsible for football and men’s basketball promotion, managing all corporate trade partnerships while also serving as the athletic department’s liaison with the university’s band, dance, and cheer programs.
Along with implementing social media aspects to Houston’s athletic department, De Leon helped UH football increase attendance over 40%, including increasing student attendance over 140%. Season ticket numbers increased from 2006 to 2007 to the tune of 23% as well.
De Leon earned his B.B.A. degree from Notre Dame in 2004, and his master’s in 2005 at Texas A&M. He and his wife Lacey are expecting their first child in September. He was a 2004 recipient of the NCAA’s Ethnic Minority Enhancement Scholarship, and he was the Chairman of the 2008 Conference USA Marketing Directors.