7/2/2019
Pickard named National College Athlete Honor Society Assistant Director
RIVER FALLS, Wis. — The National College Athlete Honor Society (NCAHS) announced the hiring of BJ Pickard as its Assistant Director on Tuesday.
Pickard joins Executive Director Kellen Wells-Mangold on the organization’s staff and brings a focus on communications and chapter services to Chi Alpha Sigma. His responsibilities will include supporting the operational aspects of the organization, developing and implementing strategic goals and plans, and working with current and prospective chapters in their efforts to recognize high-achieving student-athletes.
“I am very excited for this opportunity,” Pickard said. “I have great respect and admiration for the work Kellen has done to elevate Chi Alpha Sigma to where it is today and I look forward to helping the organization continue to grow as we recognize more and more outstanding young men and women for their achievements in competition, the classroom, and the community."
In addition to his duties with the NCAHS, Pickard also serves as the Assistant Commissioner for the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) where he manages sports information, scheduling, awards, and officials’ payroll for the NCAA Division III conference. Pickard earned his bachelor's degree in Public Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a Master’s of Education in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership from the University of Washington.
Prior to joining the MIAC, Pickard worked as the Director of Communications for the Arena Football League (AFL) from 2011-2015, where he oversaw all media and public relations efforts for the league. He began his career in athletics as a public relations intern for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and later served as a brand strategist for Capture Marketing, where he worked extensively in the areas of project management, brand building, and partner relations, developing successful campaigns for such brands as General Mills, Professional Bull Riding (PBR), and Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors.
An Eau Claire, Wis., native, Pickard currently resides in River Falls, Wis. with his wife, daughter, and chocolate lab.
The National College Athlete Honor Society, Inc., known as Chi Alpha Sigma, is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded in 1996. Chi Alpha Sigma works with state chapters to recognize college student-athletes who succeed in their sport and in the classroom.