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Bookbinder Named Vice Chancellor and Chief Marketing Officer

Russ Bookbinder

Bookbinder's experience and leadership in marketing, communication, brand awareness and community relations will help lift the national profile of the Texas Tech University System and its component institutions. 

Russ Bookbinder will collaborate with each of the three institutions of the Texas Tech University System to develop integrated marketing and communication strategies.

June 17, 2009 | Written by Michelle Hougland

Texas Tech University System Chancellor Kent Hance announced today (June 17) the hiring of Russ Bookbinder as vice chancellor and chief marketing officer. He will begin his duties on July 2.

Bookbinder will collaborate with Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Angelo State University to develop integrated marketing and communication strategies for each institution. He will also work to increase statewide and national awareness of the Texas Tech University System.

“Russ was a top executive with the Spurs organization and through his efforts, the Spurs went from a little-known team to one of the top franchises in the NBA. His expertise and leadership in marketing, communication, brand awareness and community relations will energize our efforts to promote all three of our institutions,” Hance said.

Bookbinder previously served as the executive vice president of business operations with the Spurs. He retired from the Spurs last June after more than 20 years with the organization. 

During his time in San Antonio, Bookbinder oversaw operations for four professional teams: the Spurs, the WNBA’s Silver Stars, the NBA Development League’s Austin Toros and the American Hockey League’s Rampage. Bookbinder provided organizational structure and developed leaders and staff that helped grow the Spurs from a single team entity into a major sports and entertainment company.

“I am excited about joining the Texas Tech University System team,” Bookbinder said. “The three universities have much to be proud of and I am anxious to work with a very talented group of marketing and communications professionals to develop strategies that increase perception and awareness of our system institutions.” 

Bookbinder received a degree in advertising from the University of Florida in 1974. He and his wife, Tammy, who is the daughter of former Baylor football coach Grant Teaff, have two children, Josh and Jessy.

Bookbinder replaces David McClure who was recently named the Associate Vice Chancellor for Technology Commercialization.