[ Sometimes, Shawn writes in the third-person. :) ]

Shawn K. Sullivan joined the Horizon League as Associate Commissioner for Messaging, Branding and Strategic Initiatives in November, 2023. This role comes on the heels of nearly nine years at Ball State University, when in January, 2023, after stints as director, assistant athletic director, associate athletic director and deputy director of athletics, he departed to explore new opportunities.

In addition, he is a voice professional, sports business consultant and an adjunct professor at Northwestern University and Roosevelt University.

From July of 2011 - July of 2013 Sullivan was director of sales & marketing with Northwestern University Athletics.

During the previous four years, as assistant athletic director at UIC, Sullivan oversaw marketing, ticketing and game operations for all 18 of the Flames programs.

Before returning to his alma mater, Sullivan was the community relations manager for the Chicago Rush arena football club from 2003-2005.

From late 2001-2003, Sullivan worked in the sports information office at UIC--first as sports information assistant before being promoted to assistant sports information director.

During his collegiate years, Sullivan apprenticed with the Flames, Rush, CLTV and CAPRI Events while also working at Vertel’s, a running specialty store, and with CLIF Bar.

The Kankakee, Illinois native graduated in 2001 from UIC with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. He was captain and multiple letter winner for the Flames cross country and track & field teams after winning the Class A high school state championship in the 1600 meter run for Bishop McNamara.

Sullivan currently performs public address announcing duties for the USL’s Indy Eleven, the WNBA's Indiana Fever and the NBA’s Indiana Pacers. Additionally, he provides event announcing services for local and regional triathlon/road racing events along with various voiceover opportunities. He resides in Indianapolis with his wife, Molly (Senior Woman Administrator/Associate Athletic Director at Butler University), along with their children, Liam, Quinn, Mary Kate and James. 

Photo Gallery

Photo credits: Northwestern Athletics (Nick Brilowski), UIC Athletics (Steve Woltmann), Indiana Pacers, Muncie Star-Press, Norman Timonera