DAN E. GENZLER

Cover letter/resume/portfolio

adrc3d@r.postjobfree.com – 605-***-****

Communications Professional – 30 years

To – Search Committee

Thank you for the opportunity to present myself for consideration as a member of your outstanding organization/business.

Clearly, your organization/business has made and continues to shine as a difference maker in the community and the region. It would be a great opportunity to be part of your caring, respectful and visionary organization/business.

How can I help you? I have over 30 years of success in communications/public relations in business, media, higher education and athletics. For the past nine years, I have been associated with the University of South Falls as Athletic Communications Director until June 1, 2022. Working in athletics and businesses has been a phenomenal experience and one that has shaped who I am. My interaction with people is just a special experience because everyone has a story to tell. It is what I enjoy embracing. I have a team-first persona and I enjoy brainstorming and sharing with fellow employees.

At USF, my team coordinated public relations campaigns for four Harlon Hill candidates, including a finalist in 2018 (DII per game rushing leader Gabe Watson, fifth in balloting); four Cliff Harris Award finalists for defensive player of the year and four Gene Upshaw Award candidates for lineman of the year.

I have valuable expertise in media relations, including facilitating six Fall Media Days. I also took on media relations and worked cooperatively with area media as well as the queries from regional and national media. I also helped restart the USF Hall of Fame Committee and ceremony in 2015. In my recent role, I was the lead contact for the sports of football, men's basketball, women's basketball, baseball, women's golf, men's and women's cross country, track and field, swimming, and women's tennis at USF. However, I was in charge of directing the entire communications program at USF. Among the accomplishments was my team’s website shift from Neu Lion to Sidearm Sports (web server) in 2016. The move to Sidearm Sports was focused on better presentation of USF Athletics and a more Cover letter

fan-friendly, user site. Please check out www.usfcougars.com to see the presentation of university athletics.

In the past nine years, I was the main feature writer for athletics and also wrote for the USF Magazine. Please check the stories in the portfolio of writing examples below. Additionally, my team coordinated the department’s media day events, overseeing Game Day media operations. At USF, Athletics Communications created and put out eye-catching social media posts on the various social formats (check out @usf_athletics on Twitter, @usfcoo_athletics on Instagram and USF_Cougars and University of Sioux Falls Cougars on Facebook). One example of my media relations expertise and effort was working with ESPN and Scott Van Pelt to feature the USF Women's Basketball Team, which advanced to the DII Central Region Tournament in 2020. The team was featured on the ESPN's show "Senior Night," which was an idea developed by Van Pelt in the summer of 2019 when the CoVID 19 pandemic adversely impacted collegiate sports as well as all levels of sports.

My career began in newspapers (Oahe Corporation, 1983-85; Mitchell Daily Republic, 1985-86), before I served as a public information officer (1986-88), acting public information director (1988-91), director of media relations (1991-2000) and sports information director (2000-08) at the University of South Dakota.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Arts and Sciences from USD in 1982 with majors in political science and mass communications. In 1996, I added a Master of Arts degree in political science from USD.

Aside from his 22 years with USD, I worked as a web writer at SDSU and as editor of the Midwest Meetings magazine from 2008-2009. I also ran Genz Communications, LLC and served as sports editor of a three-day weekly, The Equalizer. During 2011-14, I coordinated and served as editor of the KSFY-TV Pigskin Preview and KSFY-TV Basketball Preview magazines while also writing a weekly prep blog and serving as a sports analyst for KSFY-TV Sports. KSFY-TV and KDLT-TV has now transitioned to Dakota News Now under management of Gray Television Inc.

Thank you for the opportunity to present who I am. I would love to discuss more about what I can contribute to your creative and thoughtful team.

Dan E. Genzler

7800 Boulder Creek Place #1

Sioux Falls, S.D. 57106

605-***-****

adrc3d@r.postjobfree.com

Summary of Qualifications

~ Public relations professional for 34 years

~ Two degrees from The University of South Dakota

~ Established media contacts in area and region

~ Significant experience working and placing stories national media

~ Indesign, Pagemaker, Photoshop, Microsoft products, Outlook, Stat Crew experience

~ Web page design, writing and maintenance

~ Strong writing skills including features, press releases, organizational letters, website content & technical pieces

~ Proficiency at editing and managing publications

~ Proven record of success with public relation campaigns

~ Experience with social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) Resume

Professional/Work Experience

University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Director of Athletics Communications (2014-22)

~ Coordinated all areas of sports information media relations, website management and creation, social media, photography and more

~ Led the restart the USF Hall of Fame Committee and ceremony in 2014.

~ Served as the main contact for football, men's basketball, women's basketball, baseball, women's golf, men's and women's cross country, track and field, swimming, and women's tennis.

~ During my tenure, led changeover from NeuLion to Sidearm Sports in 2016 by https://usfcougars.com.

- Change in website was focused on an incredibly improved presentation of USF Athletics to a more fan-friendly, user site

~ Served as the main feature writer for athletics and wrote for the USF Magazine

~ Coordinated the department’s media day events, oversees Game Day media operations, and is in charge social media on the various platforms

~ Directed USF Athletics media relations, which have included press inquiries and pitching stories about USF Owner, Genz Communications, Sioux Falls, SD (2010-13)

~ Contracted with area businesses and media to provide top of the line service. The areas of support to businesses including included event promotion, writing, design work, social media, photography and website design and management.

Midwest Meetings Magazine, Brookings, S.D.

Editor (2009)

~ Handled magazine editing and writing responsibilities for the magazine. My role also included interacting and decidcing with publisher and graphic design specialist on the magazine’s presentation and look South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D.

Web Content Editor/Writer (2008-09)

~ Conducted high quality web writing and editing/writing duties for SDSU as the University transitioned to new web page

~ Worked in University Relations at SDSU for two months before transfer in February to Information Technology. Due to reorganization, position was rewritten and changed to web content writer The University of South Dakota, Vermillion, S.D.

(1987-2008)

Director of Athletic Communications (2000-2008)

~ Handled media relations for athletics, including story placements in newspapers, radio and television

~ Compiled and wrote press releases, including game stories, new staff hires, weekly releases on various sports, etc.

~ Maintained and updated USD Athletics’ web page (www.usdcoyotes.com)

~ Managed and organized major events, including Hall of Fame Ceremony and Howling Pack Student Awards Ceremony

~ Organized volunteer support for Coyote events, including statistical crew, public address announcer, etc.

~ Organized and ran press conferences for USD Athletics

~ Wrote, compiled and handled layout for various media guides and marketing promotions

~ Managed budget for Sports Information

~ Put together bid specifications for printing projects (media guides, game programs, etc.)

~ Supervised staff, including making job assignments and conducting job evaluations

~ Established student internship program

Director of Media Relations (1991-2000)

~ Handled media relations for University, including placement of stories, advertising in area media, managing press conferences

Public Information Officer (1986-88)

~Wrote press releases on faculty and students, new programs, staff hires, general news Mitchell Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D. (1985-86)

Staff Writer/Weekend Editor (1985-86)

~Served as staff writer for newspaper, including the school and court beats; investigative work and pieces; handling weekend sports, etc.

Oahe Publishing Corporation, Gettysburg, S.D. (1982-85) Editor (1983-85)

~ Managed news operation for Potter County News, West River Progress and Eagle Butte News

~ Coordinated layout and design of newspaper with publisher

~ Compiled news stories and wrote a weekly column

Reporter-Centennial Edition Editor (1982-83)

~ Compiled, wrote and conducted layout for 100-year edition of the Potter County News. During that time period, researched 100 years of newspapers about the events in the county. Wrote all the stories for the publication.

~ Developed and implemented broad-based program of public relations, publications and publication information

~ Assessed institutional image while creating public awareness about USD activities and people

~ Produced and wrote press releases, publications and features

~ Handled various crisis management situations (contact with media, reporting on incidents, etc.)

~ Managed budget for Office of Media Relations

~ Supervised staff, including making job assignments and conducting job evaluations Acting Director of Public Information (1998-1991)

~ Served as publication information director, handling the various public relations duties that including writing, publication management, media placements, office staff, etc.

~ Handled budget and supervised staff

~ Coordinated media placements (stories, advertising) Other Service/Volunteer Experiences

Moderator, Summit League Championships, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Sioux Falls Arena, March, 2011 Media/Photo Clerk, NCAA Division I Track and Field Championship, Drake Stadium, June 11-14, 2008. Handled photo clerk duties and coordinated quotes for media. Main responsibility included working directly with NCAA official or coordinating needs for video and print photographers as well as print reporters. Press Steward, Howard Wood Dakota Relays, 2003- present. Assisted with media relations and worked with public address announcers.

Press Steward, South Dakota Track and Field Championships, Rapid City and Sioux Falls, S.D., since 2003. Assisted public address announcers while also conducting media relations during state championship meet. Media Relations Coordinator, South Dakota High School Football Playoffs, 2000-08, DakotaDome, Vermillion, S.D. Handled all media requests and relations at the high school championships. Managed press operations at the championships.

CoSIDA (College Sports Director of America) Publications Coordinator, 2006-08. Coordinated the judging and notification of Division I media guides for women’s basketball (2006), women’s volleyball (2007) and men’s baseball (2008).

Press Conference Moderator, NCAA Division II Basketball Championships, Grand Forks, N.D., 2006. Served as moderator for all press conferences at the championships, which included post-game interviews with player and coaches.

Media Relations, NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championships - Milwaukee (first round, 1992), Wichita, Kan. (first round, 1994), Detroit (regional championship, 2000). Interviewed players and coaches while assisting sponsoring university’s sports information staff with event responsibilities. Media Relations, NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championships - Des Moines, Iowa, 1998 Media Assistant, NCAA Division I Summit League Men’s and Women’s Basketball Conference Championships, Sioux Falls, S.D., 2009, 2010. Assisted South Dakota State University Sports Information staff.

Coordinator/Advisor, Journalism City, South Dakota Boys State, 1990-2000 Press Steward, Drake Relays, Des Moines, Iowa, 1988-2008. Assisted Drake SID with media relations. Public Address Announcer Assistant, NCAA Division II Track and Field Championships, DakotaDome, 1991

Official Scorer, 1988-90, NCAA Division II Track and Field Championships, DakotaDome, 1988-90 Special Assistant, NCAA Division II Track and Field Championships, DakotaDome, 1987 Arena Display Coordinator, Venus 6000 Daktronics Board, University of South Dakota DakotaDome, 1995-96. Coordinated game day and farm show event promotions on graphics display board in the DakotaDome (spot creation, scheduling, and management). Trainee, Venus Series Advanced Operator Seminar, Daktronics, Brookings, S.D., January 18-19, 1996. Learned animation tips for Venus 600 Daktronics Board in the DakotaDome at USD. President, South Dakota Council for Advancement and Support of Higher Education (CASE), 1989-1999 Served two terms.

Participant, How to Better Communication Research, Washington, D.C., April 1995. Conference looked at ways to communication research to the media and the general public. Participant, How to Communication with the National Media, Harrisburg, Penn., July 1994. Conference focused on working with the national media.

Participant, CASE Summer Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind., Fall 1992. Week-long seminar on publications, writing and media relations. PR Campaigns – Other

Managed Successful PR Campaigns - USD Athletics

Three Harlon Hill Trophy Finalists

~ Promotional efforts resulted in two Harlon Hill Trophy finalists for The University of South Dakota during 2005 and 2006. USD student-athlete Wesley Beschorner finished as the runner-up for the trophy as the NCAA Division II Player of the Year in 2005. A year later in 2006, USD student-athlete Stefan Logan was among the final eighth (finished sixth) in the balloting for the award. Promotional efforts included working with area and national media, e-mail letter writing campaigns, created web site for Logan and Beschorner, development of promotional CDs and more. In addition, promoted Gabe Watson in 2018 to a finalist in the Harlon Hill Trophy balloting.

Rimington Award Winner

~ Promotional efforts helped University of South Dakota student-athlete Christian Morton in his candidacy and eventual recognition as the 2006 Rimington Award winner (best offensive center in NCAA Division II). CoSIDA, Academic Honors for Student-Athletes

Worked with various USD student-athletes, coordinating efforts for academic/athletic honors. With assistance in the application process, 18 student-athletes earned NCAA Postgraduate Honors. Coordinated application process for 35 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans. NABC National Player of the Year

~ Coordinated public relations efforts that helped University of South Dakota student-athlete Turner Trofholz earn the school and North Central Conference first-ever national men’s basketball player of the year honor. Promotional campaign included e-mail letter campaign, development of promotional material, web site dedicated to Trofholz, and working with area, regional and national media on campaign. Received CoSIDA Excellence in Publications Award

~Editor of 2005 The University of South Dakota men’s basketball media guide that was awarded fourth in the nation (Division II).

Development of Coyote Athletics Web Page - www.usdcoyotes.com

~Responsible for creation of USD Athletics’ web page. In 2000, worked with Fans Only company to develop web site for USD Athletics. Prior to that, the USD web site, consisted of only basic information and no links. Worked with American Eagle (Chicago-based company) to make transition from Fans Only site in 2003 with refreshed look, including integration of new logos, additional features, etc. The website included team pages for 17 sports as well as profiles on all student-athletes and coaches. Redesign of USF Athletics Website

~Responsible for creation of look and design in 2015 of USF Athletics in transition to Sidearm Sports. Website became more fan-friendly with upgraded navigation tools. Other Experiences

Sports Editor, Volante, Student Newspaper, The University of South Dakota, 1982 Sports Reporter, Volante, Student Newspaper, The University of South Dakota, 1979-1981 Sports Information Intern, Sports Information Office, The University of South Dakota, 1979-1981 Freelance Writing, Sioux Falls Argus Leader and Yankton Press & Dakotan. During five years stretch from 1993-98, wrote various sports stories for the Argus Leader and Yankton Press & Dakotan, including USD men’s basketball, high school football playoff games and more. Graphics Committee, Part of seven-person committee which reviewed graphics services on USD campus. Appointment by USD President Betty Asher in 1994-95. Search Committee for Educational Media Center Director. Appointed by Vice President for University Relations in 1995.

Personnel Committee. 1994-99. Revised salary structure as part of five-member committee. Also review structure grievances. Appointed by USD President Betty Asher. Professional Papers

American Political Science Association, Paper Presentation, “The Internet Challenge: Is The Technological Future Finite or Infinite?” Des Moines, Iowa, April 12, 1996. Education

Master of Science Degree, Political Science, 3.75 GPA, 1996, The University of South Dakota Bachelor of Science Degree, Political Science and Mass Communication, 1982, The University of South Dakota

References

Josh Deer, Concordia St. Paul. Director of Communications, St. Paul, Minn., 612-***-****, adrc3d@r.postjobfree.com Josh Snyder, Chief Compliance Officer, BetRushmore, Sioux Falls, S.D., 605-***-**** Tim Hiatt, Director of Media Advancement at Life 96.55, Sioux Falls, S.D., 605-***-****, adrc3d@r.postjobfree.com,

Travis Traphagen, WBB Head Coach, University of Sioux Falls, 605-***-****, adrc3d@r.postjobfree.com

Tom Frederick, Sioux Falls, Play by Play Announcer, University of Sioux Falls, 605-***-****, adrc3d@r.postjobfree.com

Portfolio

Links to Writing Examples

Seniors lead USF WBB to regionals -- https://usfcougars.com/news/2020/3/26/feature-seniors-lead-usf- womens-basketball-on-a-year-to-remember.aspx

Mickelson rallies back from car accident to play again -- https://usfcougars.com/news/2021/5/6/frankie- mickelson-will-leave-a-huge-imprint-on-the-usf-softball-program.aspx Remodeled USF Sports and Fitness Center is a “game changer” -- https://usfcougars.com/news/2017/4/20/general-remodeled-usf-sports-and-fitness-center-is-a-game- changer.aspx

Waldie shows “steel resolve” to comeback and play – https://usfcougars.com/news/2018/6/28/steely-resolve-usf-fbs-riley-waldie-fights-back-to-play-football- again.aspx

Zosel values community and experience at USF --

https://usfcougars.com/news/2021/4/27/mens-golf-jacob-zosel-needs-updated.aspx

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