Thursday, June 5, 2014

BILLINGS, Mont. - Evan O’Kelly has been named director of communications for the Montana State University Billings department of athletics.

"After conducting a national search, we are very fortunate to have Evan O’Kelly accept our offer to become the Director of Communications of our Intercollegiate Athletics department,” MSUB Athletic Director Krista Montague said. 

“We look forward to continuing the success of promoting our Yellowjacket coaches, student-athletes and teams under Evan’s leadership.” 

O’Kelly previously served as the media relations and sports information assistant at the Great Northwest Athletic Conference office, where he coordinated media coverage for the conference’s sports and championship events.

“I am truly honored and excited to accept this position, namely because of the wonderful experience I have already had working with the faculty, staff and student-athletes at MSUB,” O’Kelly said.

“The opportunity to represent and promote Yellowjacket athletics within the familiar environment of the GNAC is something I greatly look forward to.”

O’Kelly replaces Barrett Henderson, who accepted at similar position at Western Oregon University in October of 2013. 

Among his responsibilities, O’Kelly will manage media relations for all 17 of MSUB NCAA DII athletic programs as well as writing releases, compiling statistics, website maintenance and producing and publishing promotion materials.  

While working for the GNAC, O’Kelly had the opportunity to collaborate with MSUB staff and student-athletes at a variety of events throughout the 2013-14 academic year.

He served as an assistant at the Desert Stinger Classic softball tournament, and worked with the MSUB women’s basketball team at the NCAA West Regional championship tournament in March.

O’Kelly graduated with a Bachelor of the Arts in finance from Linfield College in June, 2013, where he served as an assistant to the sports information director for two years.

At Linfield, O’Kelly had the opportunity to work directly with the school’s varsity athletic programs, providing game day coverage and assisting with NCAA regional hosting opportunities.

“He brings a true passion for college athletics and a wide range of talents that will not only bolster our communications efforts, but also enhance our student-athlete experience,” Montague said. 

“With his dedication and passion, we expect him to become an integral part of the MSUB and Billings communities.”

O’Kelly grew up in Portland, Ore., where he has lived for the past 22 years.

He will assume sports information and media relations duties at MSUB effective July 1.