Saint Louis Billikens Athletics

Neal Bendesky, who has an extensive sales and marketing background, was named associate director of athletics for external operations in the summer of 2014.

Bendesky oversees SLU’s marketing and media relations operations and works closely with the Billiken ticket office. He is also the co-founder of the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Directors (NACMA).

Bendesky came to SLU after a three-year stint in marketing and promotions at the University of South Dakota. Prior to his appointment at South Dakota, he was founder and president of Game Plan, Inc., a sports marketing agency based in Miami, Fla.

At the professional sports level, Bendesky served as vice president of corporate sales and promotions for the Miami Heat from 1995-97. He was also senior director of sales for the Miami Dolphins, Pro Player Stadium, the Florida Panthers and the Miami Marlins during his time with Huizenga Holdings in South Florida. Bendesky has also served stints as assistant director of athletics at the University of Miami and the University of Cincinnati.

Bendesky received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1981. He earned a master’s degree from Biscayne College in Miami in 1983.