FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Chris Hale has been named Sacred Heart's new Senior Associate Athletics Director for Athletic Advancement as announced by Judy Ann Riccio, SHU's Director of Athletics.
 
Hale joins Sacred Heart University after serving as the Assistant Athletics Director for Development at Seton Hall University, where he assisted in the directing, planning, implementation, and administration of all annual fundraising activities for the Pirate Blue Athletic Fund.
 
"I am excited to be joining the team at Sacred Heart University," Hale said. "Judy Ann Riccio has a tremendous vision for ensuring the success of our student-athletes and I am beyond thrilled to be a part of that mission." 
 
Prior to Seton Hall, Hale was the Associate Director of Athletics Fundraising at Long Island University, where he was the primary development officer for the athletic department's 37 varsity programs. Hale initiated new strategies and an annual giving plan which led to setting institutional records for most donations made in a single day and total funds raised in an academic year.
 
"We are excited to work with Chris to enhance the experiences of our student-athletes," said Riccio. "His background and record of production make him a perfect fit for the Pioneers."
 
While at LIU, Hale was the sport administrator for men's and women's golf, men's hockey, women's rugby, men's and women's swimming, men's and women's tennis, and the E-Sports program. He was also the Director of Marketing and Ticket Sales, Interim Director of Facilities and Operations, Interim Director of Equipment Operations, and an Assistant Coach for the men's and women's swimming programs. In addition, Hale served as the Northeast Conference Representative for the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD).
 
"I would like to thank Senior Vice President of Advancement Paul Sutera, Judy Ann Riccio, Deputy Athletics Director Mike Morrison, and everyone involved in the process for this opportunity," Hale added. "I cannot wait to begin connecting with the Pioneer Community and have a part in helping enhance the experience for our student-athletes."
 
Hale began his career in sports administration in 2017 as the Assistant Director of Compliance and Assistant Athletics Fund Coordinator at Queens University of Charlotte. Following his time in Charlotte, Hale served as the Community Relations and Marketing Assistant for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, an MiLB-affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, and then as the Assistant Director of Development for Athletics and the Quaker Club at Guilford College.
 
A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Hale earned his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a minor in Political Science in 2013. He was a four-year letterwinner on the swimming and diving team, serving as team captain for the Bearcats during the 2012-13 season. Hale also received his Juris Doctor from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University in 2016 and his Master of Business Administration from Queens University of Charlotte in 2018.