Getting To Know Erik Christianson, CoSIDA's New Executive Director

May 31, 2022

in Membership,

College Sports Information Directors of America

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Getting to know Erik Christianson

The new CoSIDA executive director will officially assume his new role on June 13

by Beau White – CoSIDA Director of Creative Services @beau_white

Erik Christianson, who was named the third CoSIDA Executive Director on May 17, officially begins his duties on June 13 and is eager to get started. Less than 10 days later, he’ll join outgoing Executive Director Doug Vance and the rest of the national staff in Las Vegas as we prepare to welcome our membership back in person for the first time in three years at #CoSIDA22. We can’t wait.

As a longtime supporter and advocate of CoSIDA, Erik is a natural fit to lead this organization that means so much to so many.

In the announcement of his hire, President Cindy Potter said in part, “Erik rose to the top throughout the selection process. His passion, dedication and connections to the communications profession, and especially to CoSIDA, is impressive. And his widespread network of respected friends and colleagues is unmatched. We have no doubt that our organization will be in great hands with Erik at the helm.”

Scroll through Erik’s twitter feed @NCAAErik and you’ll see that CoSIDA has been near and dear to him for many years. If you’ve attended a CoSIDA Convention, you’ve likely seen him presenting on stage, roaming the halls, or even contributing in our virtual settings.

That’s what you’ve been able to see.

But, much like our members, there is much more Erik has done behind the scenes. Some of those things you might not know include meeting monthly with Doug to talk through communications ideas and solutions, hosting CoSIDA leadership at the NCAA offices each summer and during the NCAA Convention, connecting with staff on Covid strategies, and even supporting corporate partner outreaches.

How well do you know Erik? Here’s a little bit more about the person who will soon be leading us, in his own words.

End of day tweet...thanks to so many friends & colleagues who reached out today on my news. Tells me two things: one, people care about @CoSIDAnews and its future, and two, people matter. We are in the relationship business, and that's what will carry us in the future.

— Erik Christianson (NCAAErik) May 18, 2022

Erik credits his family for shaping him into the person he is today.
So many wonderful people have helped shape me, starting with my parents, who are still alive and were committed public servants and good role models. My wife, Rachel, and my three sons Sten, Gunnar and Anders help me remember each day that life is not about me. Good friends and mentors — coaches, professors, supervisors — through the years have been important as well.

His wife Rachel and three sons are on board.
My family is both supportive and excited for this opportunity, especially since we don’t have to relocate. My youngest son will be a sophomore in high school this fall, and we’re happy for him to be able to continue at his school. > Congrats @NCAAErik - CoSIDA could not have picked a better person to lead the organization ?????????????????????? https://t.co/EFNEM6YfrA

Communications, education and sports have been the common thread of his career.
My life and career paths have been surprising to me. But with the benefit of hindsight, I can now see the consistent threads of communications, education and sports running through my life and work. I played one year of college baseball, and at the time I had no idea that experience would be so meaningful to me later in life. I started my professional career as a journalist, where I learned quickly how to sort through issues, get to the main point of a topic and effectively communicate. My campus experience was critical because I saw up close for many years how college sports operates within the larger context of higher education, and that helped me land my first role at the NCAA.

This is a role that is extremely attractive to him.
I believe I can harness my many career experiences and tap into my triple play of interests in communications, education and sports to elevate the athletics communications industry. I’ve been fortunate to work for and help lead some iconic organizations and brands, and I want to apply that experience to an organization that is vital to the future success of college sports and student-athletes.

He feels grateful and honored to succeed Doug Vance, a legend in CoSIDA.
I’ve known Doug a long time, and people may not know he and I have held a regular monthly call since he took over as executive director to share communications ideas and solutions. I know firsthand the excellent work he has performed over many years to support and elevate CoSIDA and the athletics communications industry, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation he has established along with John Humenik, CoSIDA’s first executive director.

> And this, friends, is how you make a home run hire … congrats @NCAAErik and look forward to many great years with you leading our incredible @CoSIDAnews family! https://t.co/2PdxAHFQti

— Chris Masters (@B1G_Masters) May 17, 2022

CoSIDA has been an organization he’s admired during his time at the NCAA.
I’ve long admired that CoSIDA as an organization has always taken a posture of continuous improvement in how it approaches its mission. This was very evident when the Covid pandemic hit in March 2020, and CoSIDA staff and leadership quickly pivoted to virtually support the membership and college sports and didn’t miss a step. I recently told some of my top leaders at the NCAA that I even connected with CoSIDA leadership a few times early in the pandemic for ideas on how to virtually support our members. I commend the CoSIDA board and staff and other leaders in the organization for recognizing that athletics communications is a fast-evolving industry, and as such a rebranding exercise is important to examine how we might continue to position the organization and those who work in the industry as leaders for college sports.

Rapid fire round…

Name three books that would make the Erik Christianson Book Hall of Fame.

The Bible
Moby Dick, by Herman Melville (one of the greatest first sentences ever in literature)
The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R Tolkien

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve watched recently?
“Dopesick” on Hulu, which is a dramatic overview of the opioid crisis. It’s a gripping and sad and compelling account of the issue that unfortunately is still plaguing this country and world.

What was your first job? What was your most unusual job?
First job was selling subscriptions to the St. Paul Pioneer Press newspaper door to door when I was 14. Most unusual: houseboat captain on Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota one summer in college.

What motivates you?
Faith, relationships and service to others. Those elements have been my guideposts for life and work, and they motivate me now as I move into this important role.

How will you describe your new job to your friends and family?
Leading and serving a respected national organization dedicated to supporting college sports, student-athletes and the communicators who advocate for them. Put simply, we advocate for the advocates.

What’s your walk up song?
Livin’ On a Prayer, by Bon Jovi

What are you most looking forward to at #CoSIDA22 in Vegas?
It’s been three years since we’ve been able to meet in person at the convention to support college sports and each other, so the answer is easy: the people. I’m eager to connect with old friends, make new ones, listen and learn as I transition into this important role and season of service for me. > Simply a phenomenal move by @CoSIDAnews - getting one of the best in @NCAAErik . And much thanks to @dvancecosida for his years of service!... CoSIDA Names Erik Christianson As New Executive Director

— Jason Fein (@jfein) [May 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/jfein/status/1526616296040767490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Congratulations to Erik! The CoSIDA membership looks forward to your leadership!

— Pete Moore (@MooreOrange) [May 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/MooreOrange/status/1526602403751010304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Congrats @NCAAErik! https://t.co/vvk3Be0wMu

— Gina Lehe (@Gina_Lehe) [May 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/Gina_Lehe/status/1526604303686942722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Great news @NCAAErik and I'm beyond thrilled for you. This is a great move for @CoSIDAnews and excited for you to lead this great group. https://t.co/tGrzMGNwWD

— Michael Carey (@MexCarey) [May 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/MexCarey/status/1526670408686047232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Very excited to learn that @NCAAErik has been named executive director of @CoSIDAnews. He's not only an outstanding communications professional, but a close friend to so many in our organization. Home run hire by everyone involved.

— Joe Browning (@jpbwilmnc) [May 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/jpbwilmnc/status/1526674863959683072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Very excited to have @NCAAErik become the new Exec. Dir. of @CoSIDAnews. Congratulations, Erik! https://t.co/IpfWE7TnmD

— John Paquette (@wjpaquette) [May 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/wjpaquette/status/1526620937960972288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Big day for the future of our organization! Erik is an outstanding leader and will help guide us on some important decisions ahead. @dvancecosida & our outstanding @CoSIDAnews staff have positioned us for success. Thank you Doug for your leadership & service. Congrats @NCAAErik!

— Kevin Trainor (@KTHogs) [May 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/KTHogs/status/1526648844405964800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

WOW! Big news @NCAAErik! Thrilled to see this! From one great leader to another, @CoSIDAnews is in great hands!

— @JasonYellin [May 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/JasonYellin/status/1526607549063172098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

— @Matt_Panto [May 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/Matt_Panto/status/1526604266730835969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

— @_RyanDJones_ [May 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/_RyanDJones_/status/1526607093578362880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Many of the partnerships @CoSIDAnews has with the @NCAA are not possible without the advocacy of @NCAAErik. I am excited to see where he will lead our organization as executive director. Congratulations! https://t.co/93bFjp51fm

— Blake Timm (@timmbr) [May 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/timmbr/status/1526604671011328000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Absolutely thrilled for @NCAAErik to be the Executive Director of @CoSIDAnews! A pro's pro who will undoubtedly lead the organization smartly! Congrats!

— @kgbeattie [May 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/kgbeattie/status/1526609252978241538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Congrats to former DIII student-athlete Erik Christianson on his new role with CoSIDA! @NCAADIII [#whyd3] https://t.co/DnkvmjwZku

— NCAA Division III (@NCAADIII) [May 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/NCAADIII/status/1526642706428076035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Congrats to a fellow former @NorthwesternMN & @unweagles student-athlete, @NCAAErik, on this awesome opportunity!!! https://t.co/FvIB9ZOiTG

— Taylor Filzen (@tfilzen) [May 18, 2022](https://twitter.com/tfilzen/status/1526792700732776448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Congrats to @NCAAErik on becoming the Executive Director of CoSIDA! CarrSports Consulting was honored to assist CoSida with this search. [#CoSIDA](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoSIDA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#CarrSportsCares](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CarrSportsCares?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) https://t.co/ho35Etuze7

— Jeff Hathaway (@JeffHathaway77) [May 18, 2022](https://twitter.com/JeffHathaway77/status/1526730106663837697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

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Getting To Know Erik Christianson, CoSIDA's New Executive Director

College Sports Information Directors of America

Getting to know Erik Christianson

Rapid fire round…

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