ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Vice President and Director of Athletics Ryan Berryman has announced that Brandon Kendrick has been named Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer. Kendrick most recently served as the Head of Training Venues for the LA28 Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games. Kendrick will officially begin his duties on August 17.
In his new role, Kendrick will be responsible for oversight of capital projects, event management, facilities, and concessions and hospitality operations. He will assist with human resources, contract management, and financial matters while also serving as a sport administrator for multiple programs.
“I am incredibly excited to return to UNM Athletics and the state of New Mexico. During my three years away from the department, I’ve certainly missed the comfortable feeling of ‘home’ that enveloped me daily in Albuquerque,” said Kendrick. “I’m pumped to experience that again and to be a Lobo. I’m grateful to Ryan Berryman for his faith in me to take on this role during this transformative period in college athletics. The excitement and momentum that have taken hold of Lobo Athletics over the past few years are truly remarkable, and I’m thrilled to contribute to their continued success and help propel UNM to even greater heights.”
Kendrick is returning to the Lobos, where he previously served from 2018-2023, after working with the LA28 Olympic Committee since 2024, where he led end-to-end strategy efforts to secure and deliver over 25 venues for Olympic competition during the 2028 Games. Before his work with the Olympic Committee, Kendrick served as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Facilities, Events, and Capital Projects at the University of Illinois-Chicago.
“As we continue to build our leadership team at UNM, there are certain qualities that are non-negotiable: integrity, teamwork, and a commitment to exceptional service,” said Ryan Berryman, Vice President/Director of Athletics. “Brandon embodied those values during his previous time at UNM and has continued to distinguish himself professionally, leading hundreds of staff members and overseeing complex operations and projects. His experience will have an immediate impact on our department. I am excited to welcome Brandon back to the Lobo Family.”
Kendrick previously served at New Mexico from 2018 to 2023, eventually rising to Assistant Athletic Director for Event Management and Operations, where he led efforts to secure the 2023 NCAA Indoor Track & Field National Championships for UNM and the City of Albuquerque.
Kendrick originally came to UNM after stops at multiple Power 4 institutions, including USC, Florida State, and Cincinnati.