Lais Named UI Associate AD for Marketing and Multimedia

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Alex Lais has been named associate athletics director for marketing and multimedia at the University of Iowa. The announcement was made Monday by UI Athletics.

Lais comes to Iowa City after working in multiple roles for nearly eight years at Northern Arizona University athletics. For the last seven months, Lais has served as its deputy director of external operations. The previous five years, he served as associate athletics director for fan engagement and revenue generation.

“My family and I are tremendously excited and honored to join the University of Iowa Athletics Department and the greater Iowa City community," said Lais. "Thank you to Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair Beth Goetz and Deputy Director of Athletics, External Relations Matt Henderson for the opportunity to join the phenomenal team built in service to our student-athletes and fanbase. I look forward to wearing Hawkeye Gold and Black with the upmost pride and passion, and continuing to elevate and advance one of the premier brands in all of intercollegiate athletics.” 

“We are thrilled to welcome Alex to the Hawkeye family," Henderson said. "He brings a proven track record of elevating fan engagement, strengthening brand identity, and driving meaningful revenue growth. His strategic vision and energy will be tremendous assets as we continue enhancing the Hawkeye experience across all platforms, and I know he is excited to work alongside our talented external relations team.”

As deputy director of external operations, Lais provided strategic oversight for the department's communications and brand strategy, digital production, fan engagement, and ticket operations units, while also serving as the department’s day-to-day contact with Learfield, Adidas/GameOne, and key campus and community partnerships to elevate and enhance the brand of NAU Athletics.

During his tenure, Lais drove a transformative fan engagement experience at NAU, most notably leading a 45.7 percent increase in ticket revenues during his tenure, fueled by innovative programming, elevated game day production, and targeted outreach. Lais also led all planning and implementation of the award-winning “Northern Arizona Astrojacks” alternate brand identity campaign, which gained national recognition for its creativity and impact. 

A native of Normal, Illinois, Lais was also closely involved with the department's fundraising efforts, including annual fund strategies and major gift solicitations, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) operations, and served as the sport administrator for men's basketball, women's basketball and women’s soccer.

Prior to NAU, Lais served as marketing manager at the University of Southern California for nearly two years (2016-18).

Lais earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and sports studies/sports management from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in higher education administration/athletic administration from Southeast Missouri State University, where he held the role of graduate assistant for athletics marketing and promotions.