Photo by: Courtesy University of Houston
Klassy Joins Cougars as Chief Revenue Officer
5/22/2023 8:38:00 AM | General
Deputy AD brings nearly 30 years of experience to Houston
HOUSTON – University of Houston Athletics has hired Garrett Klassy, a nearly 30-year veteran within collegiate athletics, as its Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Revenue Officer, pending final University approval, Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman announced Monday.
Klassy will oversee revenue generation units and initiatives while also working alongside other members of the executive team as they continue to plan, amend and execute UH's go forward into the Big 12 Conference.
"We're really excited to welcome Garrett Klassy and his family to the University of Houston," Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "He's a great fit for where we are, where we're going and what we want to be. He's someone who sees the potential of the University of Houston and the success we've had. He's coming here to help build on that and help us be the best version of ourselves."
Klassy's arrival in Houston follows a four-year tenure at Nebraska, serving as Senior Deputy Athletic Director and Interim Athletics Director, and two years as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at UIC.
In his role at Nebraska, Klassy directed the day-to-day operations, providing leadership to revenue generating, external operating units, and sports performance areas. He also had administrative oversight for Cornhuskers Football and contributed to Men's Basketball.
"I am thrilled to join the University of Houston family during this pivotal time," Klassy said. "I appreciate Chris Pezman and Monty Porter for this incredible opportunity. Our team will work relentlessly, employing bold and innovative strategies to generate new revenue streams, create an unparalleled fan experience, and equip our student-athletes with the resources necessary to excel both in competition and life. We will aim to enhance the visibility of the Houston brand at every level. Go Coogs!"
Klassy, an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and George Washington University, started his career in athletics ticketing at Wisconsin. Subsequently, he spent four years as the Assistant Director of Ticket Operations at Alabama. In 2005, Klassy joined the University of Oregon as Assistant Athletics Director for Development & Ticket Sales, playing an integral role in several capital campaigns that built Matthew Knight Arena and the Hatfield-Dowlin Football Operations Center.
During his tenure at George Washington, Klassy coordinated strategic initiatives for all aspects of Athletics External Relations and managed the $38 million athletic department operating budget. He cultivated strategic partnerships, leading to a significant increase in ticket revenues, membership, and donations. Klassy secured the largest gift in GW Athletics history to build a clubhouse and training facility for GW Baseball.
At UIC, Klassy oversaw unprecedented growth, negotiating a $10 million naming rights partnership for the Credit Union 1 Arena, resulting in the largest gift in the university's athletics history. Under his leadership, UIC celebrated eight conference championships and a rebranding aligning the university with the city of Chicago's legacy.
Klassy was instrumental in several major initiatives at Nebraska Athletics. He spearheaded #NILbraska, an NIL initiative focused on educating student-athletes on branding, marketing, and financial literacy. He played a pivotal role working with Nebraska State Legislature to draft legislation enabling student-athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness.
Klassy successfully managed the fundraising for Nebraska's $100 million GO BIG capital campaign for construction of a new football operations facility. He was instrumental in orchestrating the Garth Brooks concert at Memorial Stadium, marking the venue's first concert since 1987, generating an estimated economic impact exceeding $10 million for the city of Lincoln. Additionally, Klassy spearheaded the establishment of Huskers Athletic Partners, an in-house agency responsible for managing Nebraska's multimedia rights and radio network.
Klassy and his wife Lindsay have a 3-year-old son named Brody and 1-year-old son named Cade.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.
Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
Klassy will oversee revenue generation units and initiatives while also working alongside other members of the executive team as they continue to plan, amend and execute UH's go forward into the Big 12 Conference.
"We're really excited to welcome Garrett Klassy and his family to the University of Houston," Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "He's a great fit for where we are, where we're going and what we want to be. He's someone who sees the potential of the University of Houston and the success we've had. He's coming here to help build on that and help us be the best version of ourselves."
Klassy's arrival in Houston follows a four-year tenure at Nebraska, serving as Senior Deputy Athletic Director and Interim Athletics Director, and two years as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at UIC.
In his role at Nebraska, Klassy directed the day-to-day operations, providing leadership to revenue generating, external operating units, and sports performance areas. He also had administrative oversight for Cornhuskers Football and contributed to Men's Basketball.
"I am thrilled to join the University of Houston family during this pivotal time," Klassy said. "I appreciate Chris Pezman and Monty Porter for this incredible opportunity. Our team will work relentlessly, employing bold and innovative strategies to generate new revenue streams, create an unparalleled fan experience, and equip our student-athletes with the resources necessary to excel both in competition and life. We will aim to enhance the visibility of the Houston brand at every level. Go Coogs!"
Klassy, an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and George Washington University, started his career in athletics ticketing at Wisconsin. Subsequently, he spent four years as the Assistant Director of Ticket Operations at Alabama. In 2005, Klassy joined the University of Oregon as Assistant Athletics Director for Development & Ticket Sales, playing an integral role in several capital campaigns that built Matthew Knight Arena and the Hatfield-Dowlin Football Operations Center.
During his tenure at George Washington, Klassy coordinated strategic initiatives for all aspects of Athletics External Relations and managed the $38 million athletic department operating budget. He cultivated strategic partnerships, leading to a significant increase in ticket revenues, membership, and donations. Klassy secured the largest gift in GW Athletics history to build a clubhouse and training facility for GW Baseball.
At UIC, Klassy oversaw unprecedented growth, negotiating a $10 million naming rights partnership for the Credit Union 1 Arena, resulting in the largest gift in the university's athletics history. Under his leadership, UIC celebrated eight conference championships and a rebranding aligning the university with the city of Chicago's legacy.
Klassy was instrumental in several major initiatives at Nebraska Athletics. He spearheaded #NILbraska, an NIL initiative focused on educating student-athletes on branding, marketing, and financial literacy. He played a pivotal role working with Nebraska State Legislature to draft legislation enabling student-athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness.
Klassy successfully managed the fundraising for Nebraska's $100 million GO BIG capital campaign for construction of a new football operations facility. He was instrumental in orchestrating the Garth Brooks concert at Memorial Stadium, marking the venue's first concert since 1987, generating an estimated economic impact exceeding $10 million for the city of Lincoln. Additionally, Klassy spearheaded the establishment of Huskers Athletic Partners, an in-house agency responsible for managing Nebraska's multimedia rights and radio network.
Klassy and his wife Lindsay have a 3-year-old son named Brody and 1-year-old son named Cade.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.
Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.