Experienced professional from Chicago heads the new branch of #MerchandiseMiracleMakers
CHICAGO, Illinois – Mike Murray has been named JNP Merchandise’s Director of Sales – Midwest Region, Founder and CEO Jeff Pofsky announced Thursday. His primary responsibilities will include overseeing the California-based organization’s expansion into the Midwest through acquiring new partners, servicing past clients and, growing JNP’s portfolio into new industries.
“We are honored to have Mike Murray on board with JNP.. He’s a dynamic guy with a world of experience and will have a significant impact in our company,” said Pofsky. “We’re looking forward to him expanding our presence in the Midwest and for JNP to plant its flag in Chicago.”
Murray joins the JNP family from Northwestern University where he served as the Associate Director of Athletics Major Gifts with the Wildcat Fund, the fundraising arm of Northwestern Athletics. In that role he built relationships with alumni, donors, parents and fans of the Wildcats, focusing on enhancing the experience of more than 500 varsity student-athletes through philanthropic and transactional donations. As a member of the Wildcat Fund team during the 2021-22 academic year, Murray contributed to a team that raised a record breaking $8.8 million dollars in support from over 5,000 donors.
Prior to his time at Northwestern, Murray spent 2019-2021 as the Assistant Athletics Director for Development with the University of Illinois Chicago. In his time with the Flames, he oversaw the annual fundraising efforts for the department, worked with coaches to plan and implement alumni events, collaborated with the University of Illinois Foundation and UIC central advancement and mentored freshmen student-athletes. Additionally, he participated in several organizational enhancement initiatives including the hiring of coaches and staff, annual fund and donor benefit restructuring and culture change consulting.
Murray also spent time as the Associate Director for the Army A Club at the United States Military Academy from 2017-2019 as a fundraiser and ticket sales representative supporting the Academy’s corps of 1,100 cadet-athletes. He was instrumental in implementing several successful events during this resurgent period for Army West Point Athletics that included two victories over the Naval Academy in the annual Army-Navy Football Game.
Before his time at West Point, Murray got his start professionally in college athletics as an Account Executive for Ticket Sales and Service at his alma mater, Temple University, selling season and group tickets for football and men’s basketball during the 2013-14 season. Following a short stint at Temple, he joined the University of Pennsylvania from 2014-2017 as an Athletics Development Coordinator before being promoted to an Assistant Development Officer. His work with Penn Athletics included managing annual fundraising efforts for several varsity programs, overseeing sport specific volunteer boards, planning gameday and special events among other administrative and data focused responsibilities.
Throughout his nearly ten-year career supporting student-athletes through philanthropy, Murray was heavily involved in professional development and mentorship, primarily through the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD). He was a regular attendee and volunteer for the organization’s annual convention, contributed as a roundtable speaker, served as a member of the Diversity Working Group and offered his personal and professional perspectives during multiple webinars.
Murray is a 2013 graduate of Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport and Recreation Management.
JNP Merchandising is a merchandise, apparel, and promotional products company specializing in spectacular swag, glorious gifts, and exceptional events. Through its factory and warehouse, JNP’s fast-turn service and fully customizable items assist us in exceeding our client’s needs. With offices in Los Angeles and Chicago, JNP and its team of Merchandise Miracle Makers stand ready 24/7 to service you! For information, please contact info@jnpmerch.com, visit www.jnpmerchandising.com, or call (310) 600-7567.
