Neal Bendesky

Neal Bendesky is in his first year as South Dakota's Director of Marketing and Promotions. He will began his duties August 8, 2011.

Bendesky brings nearly 30 years of experience in the sports business at the collegiate, professional and agency levels. His collegiate experience includes stints at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Miami where he was the assistant athletic director for both schools. Bendesky led marketing and promotional campaigns, as well as corporate sales and fundraising programs.

In 1997, Bendesky founded and currently is the president of Game Plan, Inc., in Miami, Fla., a corporate sports and event marketing company. Game Plan, Inc., has numerous clients including the NCAA, NFL, HBO, AT&T and Gatorade just to name a few.

In addition, Bendesky co-founded NACMA (National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators).

Prior to 1997, Bendesky served as Vice President of Corporate Sales and Promotions with the Miami Heat beginning in 1995. He supervised a staff of 10 employees and implemented corporate marketing programs for more than 50 local companies. In addition, he oversaw sales program, including signage, media time, tickets and community programs.

Bendesky also has worked with the Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins and Florida Panthers as he served as Director of Corporate Sales for Huizenga Holdings from 1992-1995, and was promoted to Senior Director of Sales for the Miami Dolphins, Pro Player Stadium, Florida Panthers and Florida Marlins in August of 1995.

While there, he supervised a staff of more than 50 employees, created and developed team corporate sales and marketing program, managed game day promotions including fan giveaways and in-game entertainment for 81 home baseball games.

As Director of Marketing and Promotions at the University of South Dakota, Bendesky will be working in conjunction with Coyote Sports Properties, as well as creating and building upon the marketing and promotional strategies as the Coyotes complete their transition to NCAA Division I.

Bendesky holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Cincinnati (1981) and a master’s degree in sport administration from St. Thomas University in 1983.

He and his wife Laura have two sons, Justin and Logan.