Big South Conference Commissioner Sherika A. Montgomery has announced a restructuring of the conference’s public relations department along with two staff promotions, in addition to an updated overview of the conference office departments.
The Public Relations Department has been re-named Communications and Branding to align with the department’s evolution and expansion over the years. This move properly defines the staff roles and responsibilities of the Big South’s external and strategic communications efforts, media relations and media services, digital and social media offerings, storytelling, messaging and content creation, and broadcast initiatives. Four full-time staff members and two annual interns comprise the Communications & Branding Department.
As part of the revamp, Director of Communications and Social Media Jordan Parry has been elevated to the position of Assistant Commissioner-Communications & Branding, and Associate Commissioner-Public Relations Mark Simpson has been elevated to the position of Senior Associate Commissioner-Communications and Branding.
The Conference Office Departments are now as follows (in alphabetical order):
Basketball Success
Business Operations Group
Championships & Student-Athlete Experience
Communications & Branding
Compliance & Student-Athlete Services
Corporate Sponsorships/Partnerships
“Over the last year, the conference office has welcomed new leadership at every level,” stated Montgomery. “While strategically evaluating office structure and how to best serve the membership, opportunities for growth and advancement were presented. The conference office restructure accomplishes three key objectives: (1) clear designation of responsibilities and oversight, (2) delineation of focus areas/departments and (3) alignment of conference office priorities to best serve the membership.”
Parry joined the Big South staff in October 2022 as Director of Communications and Social Media. He leads the conference’s social media and content development initiatives, spearheads annual upgrades to the league’s graphics suite, communicates the league’s messaging on @BigSouthSports platforms, and strategizes opportunities to maximize followers, reach, and engagement on social media. Parry also supports media relations and serves as the primary communications contact for women’s basketball, baseball, and men’s and women’s soccer. He also assists with softball and women’s lacrosse.
“Jordan brings a high-level of expertise and innovation to this important role,” said Montgomery. “Under his leadership, multiple Conference social media platforms have experienced steady growth in followers, engagement and overall impressions. I am confident he will continue to be an invaluable asset in promoting and storytelling of the Big South Conference.”
Simpson begins his 21st overall season on the Conference staff. He joined the office on August 30, 2004 as Director of Public Relations before his promotion to Assistant Commissioner-PR in July 2009, and was elevated to Associate Commissioner in 2018.
A member of the Senior Leadership Team, Simpson is responsible for all areas of the league’s Communications & Branding efforts as well as media services and media operations for its 19 Division I sports. He serves as the primary communications contact for men’s basketball and men’s and women’s golf, as well as supporting the publicity and promotional efforts with the Big South-OVC Football Association.
Simpson provides secondary communications assistance on various Big South sports, coordinates the Big South Hall of Fame and the Conference’s records and archives, in addition to overseeing the league’s social media and digital media content and strategies.
“Mark’s unwavering commitment, professionalism and expertise have been consistent drivers in the storytelling and brand recognition of the Big South Conference for nearly two decades,” Montgomery added. “He has led countless initiatives related to the positive and forward-advancement of the Conference.”
Big South Conference
