Meet the 2020-21 Development team!
 

Chris Walker

Executive Director of Athletics Development

2 years at UCI

Alma Mater:  Florida State

How did you get started in the profession and what brought you to UCI? 
I started working in athletics while an undergraduate at Florida State. I interned in the department for a year and a half, then was a graduate assistant for two years.
 
What is your favorite UCI moment or memory?
This is going to be bigger than a moment, but I would have to say the entire month of March in 2019 when the men's basketball program finished off a historic season by clinching the conference regular season title, winning the conference tournament, then beating Kansas State in the first round of NCAA Tournament. The success of that team was incredible, and was the payoff of years of hard work and effort by our coaches, student-athletes and administration. More than that, it was phenomenal to see the campus community, alumni base and Orange County community get behind our school and athletic program as we elevated into the national spotlight.  It showed how a successful athletic program can help elevate the brand of the entire University.  
 
Where is your favorite place on UCI campus? Also favorite place in the Irvine/Newport area?

The Bren Events Center, Anteater Ballpark and all of our competitive venues are my favorite places to be on campus, supporting our coaches and student-athletes. Aldrich Park is a close second. 

There are too many great places in Newport and Irvine -- the beach, Balboa, golf courses, entertainment venues and restaurants, etc. – to name just one.

What is the best part about working at UCI? 
It is definitely the people.  The administration, coaches and staff are dedicated and loyal.  Our student-athletes as a whole are just great representatives of the University and it is awesome to play a role in helping them live out their academic and athletic dreams while preparing themselves for the rest of their lives. And of course, the donors to our programs, student-athletes and the University are generous, supportive and great role models.
 
What is your favorite development event you get to help run?
That is a tough question.  It is like asking a parent to pick their favorite child! The Scott Brooks Golf Tournament has been great, as Scott has been so generous with his time, we have raised a significant amount of money for our student-athletes, and we have great leadership from our volunteer chairs. 

'Scott Brooks Night' last basketball season, when we retired his jersey, was really special.  It was long overdue. He had an incredible playing career here, extended that into the NBA, and has followed that with a great run as a head coach in the league.  To see the genuine joy he, his family and the people that are close to him expressed that night was gratifying. It also took incredible collaboration by many different areas within athletics and on campus to make it happen.

I can't not also mention how honored I was to lead the re-instatement of the UCI Athletics Hall of Fame when we brought it back after a 13-year hiatus last year.  Thanks to the incredible work of a lot of people, it was a great success, and it was incredibly rewarding to see a room full of people have so much fun while reconnecting with their University and athletic program.

What are you most looking forward to in returning to campus? 
Just having some normalcy back in our lives.  The toughest thing about remote work has certainly been that unintentional daily interaction that you have with student-athletes, coaches and staff.  I am really looking forward to that.
 
Who is your favorite professional team? 
I am a college sports guy through and through, however, I did grow up a big Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan and also follow the Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks pretty closely.  My pro sports 'fandom' is really reserved for pulling for athletes from my alma mater or schools that I have worked at previously, and appreciating the hard-work, effort, perseverance, determination and attention to detail it takes to get to that level. 

 

Rashaad Moore

Assistant Athletics Director, Development

5 Years at UCI

Alma Mater: UC Riverside

How did you get started in the profession and what brought you to UCI? 
While a track and field student-athlete at UCR, I interned in our athletics department to learn more about the administrative side of intercollegiate athletics. 

What is your favorite UCI moment or memory? 
My favorite UCI moment came in 2015 when UCI men's basketball team made the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history. 
 
Where is your favorite place on UCI campus? Also favorite place in the Irvine/Newport area? 
My favorite place on campus is the Bren Event Center because that's where all the magic happens.

My favorite place in Newport is Balboa Island on a boat. The vibes are unmatched.  

 
What is the best part about working at UCI? 
The UCI community is family. It's a joy coming to campus every day. 

What do you find to be the most challenging part of the job that people might not realize? 
Fundraising is not always easy; you get used to hearing the word "no". Supporting our student-athletes keeps me motivated. 

What is your favorite development event you get to help run?
UCI Giving Day has shown how UCI Athletics and the UCI community can come together in 24 hours to support efforts of advancing our student-athletes on and off the field. It's been great to see how our fundraising and participation numbers have increased each year to ensure our student-athletes' success. 

What are you most looking forward to in returning to campus? 
I'm looking forward to our student-athletes being able to compete again. As a former student-athlete I know this is a difficult time not being able to play the sport you love. Our student-athletes are training hard to continue the winning ways here at UCI. I look forward to them having the opportunity to compete for championships. 
 
Who is your favorite professional team? 
My favorite professional teams are the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers and World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers. (sounds good to say again) ??
 
What is something no one knows about you? 
I teach a sport management course on campus through UCI Division of Continuing Education. 
 

Kerry Boznanski

Director, Donor Relations & Special Events

14 years at UCI

Alma Mater: University of Hartford (B.S.) / UMASS (M.S.)

How did you get started in the profession and what brought you to UCI? 
 I got my master's degree in sport management from UMASS and moved out to California for an internship with the Mighty Ducks (they were called the "Mighty" Ducks back then). I spent several years working in minor league baseball and hockey before moving back to California and eventually finding a great fit at UCI.

What is your favorite UCI moment or memory? 
 I was fortunate to travel with UCI baseball to the 2014 College World Series and it is something I'll never forget. The highlight of the trip was getting to experience first-hand how polite and respectful our student-athletes are while on the road. They are incredible representatives of UCI and I still remember all the strangers I met in hotels and throughout the city that complimented our team.

Where is your favorite place on UCI campus? Also favorite place in the Irvine/Newport area? 
My favorite place on the UCI campus is Anteater Ballpark - specifically in the late afternoon on a game day. There's just something I love about the buzz before gates open while the team takes batting practice. I feel all the stress of a hard day at work just melt away!  My favorite place in Irvine is The Great Park. During the pandemic, I have started visiting the Great Park to get more exercise. As I walk the perimeter, I marvel at how many activities take place there. Truly something for everyone.

What is the best part about working at UCI? 
The people!  I just love the staff, coaches and student-athletes that I get to see every day. 

What do you find to be the most challenging part of the job that people might not realize? 
RSVPs! Whenever we plan events that require RSVPs, it adds a lot of extra work to that event. Typically, we just need to get a head count for catering or room space, but we often are also preparing name tags, giveaways and more.  

What is your favorite development event you get to help run?
Hands down it's the Scott Brooks Golf Invitational! With my background in golf, I really enjoy being on/around the golf course. This event is held at a spectacular location (Pelican Hill GC!) and I get to interact with so many supporters who enjoy golf and are happy to help our UCI student-athletes. I also get to talk with Scott Brooks each year, who is immensely kind and just one of the most genuine people I've ever met. 

What are you most looking forward to in returning to campus? 
With students returning to campus it means that we're inching closer to student-athletes practicing and competition.  I can wait to check my phone for game scores/results and finally see UCI on there again.
 
Who is your favorite professional team? 
 LA Dodgers
 
What is something no one knows about you? 
After playing Division I golf in college, I worked as a D1 golf coach and then as an assistant golf professional at a resort on Cape Cod, Mass.
 

Adam Goldberg

Director of Annual Giving

Two years at UCI

Alma Mater: UC Merced ( B.A in Literature) National University (MA in Education) University of San Francisco (MA in Sport Management)

How did you get started in the profession and what brought you to UCI? 
I started working in sports by volunteering for UCLA football and working for free. From there I secured a part time position with the Los Angeles Angels selling tickets, as well as a part time position with the Los Angeles Dodgers working in hospitality. After working both jobs for a year, the opportunity opened up to become the Associate General Manager of ticket sales and service at UC Irvine. I jumped at the chance to work at UCI having known how great of an institution it was. I worked hard and was promoted to General Manager of ticket sales and service after a very successful first year of selling tickets. In that year, I realized my long term goal was to become an Athletic Director for a Division 1 University. I also realized how much I enjoyed working with our amazing donors and season ticket holders. When the chance to work in our Athletic Department's Development team opened up, I was thrilled and believed it was a positive step in the direction of my goals and interests.  

What is your favorite UCI moment or memory? 
Without a doubt my favorite memory was being in the Newkirk Alumni Center during the watch party for the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Watching our team "upset" Kansas State and earn UCI's first win in the NCAA tournament was amazing. I was screaming and clapping next to members from every department on campus.  

Where is your favorite place on UCI campus? Also favorite place in the Irvine/Newport area? 
My favorite place on campus is Aldrich Park. It feels like it's the epicenter of campus and it's such a beautiful place to run, though I mainly sit on the many benches and enjoy the scenery. My favorite place in the Irvine/Newport Area is probably The Irvine Spectrum, because it's one of the first places I went on a date with my wife.

What is the best part about working at UCI? 
The best part about working at UCI is the family atmosphere within our Athletic Department. That and our passionate supporters make working at UCI amazing. I can think of so many season ticket holders and donors who take a vested interest in my life, and because they're so personable, it really makes me feel like I'm working with family.

What do you find to be the most challenging part of the job that people might not realize? 
The most challenging part of the job that goes unnoticed sometimes is the amount of hours we work. I love what I do and I wouldn't change it for anything- but there's weeks where 2-3 days of that week are 8am – 11pm days. I get to work in a field that is so fun, and I love it so I never regret the time commitment, but explaining that to family and friends can be challenging. 

What is your favorite development event you get to help run?
My favorite event I help run is Giving Day. So much time, effort, and collaboration goes into Giving Day. We spend almost half of the year planning for it, and to see it all come to fruition is really amazing. Not to mention I'm competitive and I love trying to help our Athletic Department raise more money and or get more donations than all of the other departments on campus.  

What are you most looking forward to in returning to campus? 
UCI is truly at its best when everyone is on campus. When I walk out of my office and see all of the students hustling to class, or congregating at the many hang-out spots on campus, it really reminds me of why our team and our Athletic Department works so hard.  
 
Who is your favorite professional team? 
My favorite pro team is the Los Angeles Kings. I love hockey and I am lucky enough to be married to a beautiful woman who loves hockey and the Kings as much as me. We've traveled together to see them play in Canada, and watch them every night at home. It's something we bond over as a couple.  
 
What is something no one knows about you? 
I have a soft side and it sneaks out. I can't watch an episode of ESPN Sports Center Featured without a box of tissues! Often times I blame it on allergies, but yeah I cry during movies and stuff.  

 

Amanda Davis

Development Coordinator

Five years at UCI

Alma Mater: UC Irvine

How did you get started in the profession and what brought you to UCI? 
As an undergrad at UC Irvine, I had the opportunity to be a Diamond Darling (renamed Diamond Crew) and sports marketing intern. I have always enjoyed playing and watching sports so I felt very fortunate to have been selected to be part of the athletics department as a student. After graduation I worked for a face-to-face marketing and ticket sales company that partnered with various professional sports organizations such as the Angels, Padres, Brewers, Timberwolves, and Mavericks. I got to travel and live in the Midwest for year but knew I ultimately wanted to come back to Southern California to be close to family. UCI was hiring a new Director of Camps and Clinics and I jumped at the chance to come back to work in the athletics department at UCI. I was in that role for four and half years and took on the oversight of community outreach and Peter the Anteater in addition to our summer camps and high school clinics.  I've been in my current role with Athletics Development for a year and have loved every minute.

What is your favorite UCI moment or memory? 
I accompanied Peter the Anteater and Wild Wing for UCI Night at a Ducks game. While walking around the concourse Peter greeted a young boy with a cochlear implant by signing "Hi my name is Peter." The little boy was so excited and signed back to him and gave him a giant hug. Through tears in her eyes his mom said "our family will be Anteater fans for life!" Witnessing this warmed my heart and was a reminder that by working in athletics we get to create opportunities to share our passion for sports and 'Eater Nation.

Where is your favorite place on UCI campus? Also favorite place in the Irvine/Newport area? 
I love walking around our Athletics complex and seeing our staff and student-athletes putting in the work to be their best possible selves. Aldrich Park is an incredible gem we have at the heart of our campus. I enjoy spending my lunch there or having a meeting with a coach as we brainstorm ideas while getting some steps in.

My favorite area in Newport or the Irvine area would definitely be Balboa Island. It's tucked away and nice to walk along the water and see the beautiful homes. I look forward to the Newport Boat Parade every December and a must stop when you visit the island is getting frozen banana or balboa bar from Dad's!

What is the best part about working at UCI? 
 There is something really special about working at your alma mater and having the opportunity to grow professionally alongside our staff, our coaches, our student-athletes and fellow alumni and friends of UCI. I look forward to work everyday and supporting 'Eater Nation in our pursuit of success on and off the playing fields.

What is your favorite development event you get to help run?
The annual Scott Brooks Invitational Golf Tournament is an awesome day at Pelican Hill. The development team along with coaches, student-athletes, and staff come together to put on a fundraising event for our Anteater Athletic Fund. This fund plays an integral role in the support of on and off the field activities for more than 400 exceptional student-athletes across 18 Division I sports.

What are you most looking forward to in returning to campus? 
I can't wait for daily interactions with coaches, staff and student-athletes. While we can stay connected through Zoom, I miss having people pop in my office just to say hello.  I also look forward to cheering on our Anteaters in competition! Zot Zot Zot!
 
Who is your favorite professional team? 
 Los Angeles Dodgers, New England Patriots, and Los Angeles Lakers
 
What is something no one knows about you? 
I have a fraternal twin sister.
 

Bryce Stowell

Director of Baseball Operations and Development Officer

Five years at UCI

Alma Mater: UC Irvine

How did you get started in the profession and what brought you to UCI? 
This is my first year in the development industry. Prior I was a professional baseball player in the Cleveland Indians and Tampa Bay Rays organization for seven years. After finishing my playing career, I was able to come back to UC Irvine and work with the baseball program as the Director of Baseball Operations. I enjoy the atmosphere and work environment that UC Irvine offers, as well as getting the opportunity to work with standout individuals in this profession. 

What is your favorite UCI moment or memory? 
I have truly enjoyed being a part of the baseball program as a player and now as a staff member and am appreciative of all that it has provided me.

Where is your favorite place on UCI campus? Also favorite place in the Irvine/Newport area? 
 I love Anteater Ballpark as it presents a perfect venue to watch a baseball game

What is the best part about working at UCI? 
The best part about working here at UC Irvine is the interaction with the people you get to work and collaborate with on a daily basis.

What do you find to be the most challenging part of the job that people might not realize? 
I think the time commitment it takes to be successful at this level is not realized at times, but it is the most gratifying upon achievement.

What is your favorite development event you get to help run?
I appreciate that I have the opportunity to run the UCI men's baseball alumni game annually. It provides a great opportunity to connect with alumni who love UC Irvine baseball and athletics.

What are you most looking forward to in returning to campus? 
The student-athletes are why we all work in this industry at one level or another. Having them back on campus will give a sense of normalcy to what has felt vacant for an extended period of time.
 
Who is your favorite professional team? 
I have always been a San Francisco 49er fan!
 
What is something no one knows about you? 
Although I loved playing baseball, I always wished I had the talent and skill set to be a musician.