Veteran brand strategist Eryn McVerry was named chief brand officer of the American Conference in July of 2026.
In the role, McVerry translates the conference’s brand vision into enterprise-wide action by aligning priorities across marketing and the conference’s commercial division, American RISE Ventures. This integrated approach advances the American’s brand strategy, connects it to business growth and creates greater value for its member institutions, student-athletes, partners and fans. The branding, creative, digital, and communications departments all report to McVerry.
McVerry brought 20 years of experience helping organizations connect marketing, partnerships, and business strategy across agencies, global brands, and professional sports into the college athletics landscape. Most recently, she founded Maryn & Co., advising organizations across the sports, media, technology, and nonprofit sectors on brand strategy, growth, and organizational alignment.
McVerry previously served as executive vice president of brand for the Chicago Blackhawks where she helped define the organization’s brand purpose and led its first campaign in four seasons during a period of transformation. Prior to her time in Chicago, she served as senior vice president of brand and content strategy for the Tampa Bay Lightning, where she led the award-winning ‘Be the Distant Thunder’ campaign during COVID, helping the organization earn 10 Clio Sports Awards and recognition as Sports Business Journal’s Team of the Year. Earlier in her career, she held leadership positions at TBWA\Chiat\Day, Ogilvy, and Momentum, developing strategy for brands including Verizon, Budweiser, NASCAR, and the U.S. Army.
McVerry earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management and communication from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in advertising from Michigan State University. She serves on the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology Advisory Board.