Release from UC, but one of them is Zach Stipe, who's been in charge of football through the communications office. Big congrats to Zach!
Cincinnati Director of Athletics John Cunningham announced promotions for Ben Hofstetter and Zach Stipe on Tuesday.
Hofstetter, who has led The Agency since 2021, has been promoted to Senior Associate Athletics Director for Strategic Initiatives and Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, he will help guide the department’s vision, focusing on data, technology, NIL engagement, and comprehensive planning, reporting directly to Cunningham.
“Ben has proven to be a trusted advisor for me during my time as the athletic director at the University of Cincinnati,” Cunningham said. “Ben’s commitment to Cincinnati and his work ethic are unmatched, and I will continue to rely on his expertise.”
Over the past three years, Hofstetter has led the department’s NIL strategy, boosted communication and creative efforts, and collaborated with marketing to capitalize on football’s success. Under his leadership, UC’s digital audience grew over 500%. In 2021, the @GoBearcats Twitter account ranked No. 1 nationally in engagements, while UC Athletics’ Instagram led the nation in growth.
Previously, Hofstetter worked in UC’s President’s Office from 2012 to 2017, playing a key role in UC’s Big 12 Conference bid. He joined the athletic department in 2017 as Associate AD for Strategic Initiatives, began guiding the digital strategy in 2019, and managed The Agency starting in 2021.
Stipe to Oversee The Agency, Join Executive Staff
Stipe was promoted to Associate Athletics Director for Communications and Creative Content.
He will have oversight of the The Agency, including communications and strategic brand engagement, social and digital media, photography and creative video and content. Stipe will report directly to Deputy AD of External/Chief Revenue Officer Anthony Di Fino, guide the storytelling vision for the department and oversee all content distribution. He will also serve on Cunningham’s executive staff.
“Zach has improved our media relations and communications strategy and grown as a manager in a short time,” Cunningham said. “He’s the perfect fit to lead and grow our overarching external communications units, and I’m excited to have him join my senior staff.”
Stipe will continue in his roles as the department’s chief communications officer and football sports information director, which he has served in since joining the Bearcats staff as the Associate AD for Communications and Strategic Brand Engagement since 2021.
Stipe has more than 15 years of experience as a media relations contact at UC, Florida State and Tennessee and served as the football SID for two different teams that played in the College Football Playoff, the 2014 Florida State Seminoles and the 2021 Cincinnati Bearcats, as well as the national championship-winning 2013 FSU team.
He has spearheaded the promotional campaigns for more than 50 NFL draft picks and several national award winners, including Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston at FSU and Jim Thorpe Award winner Coby Bryant at UC.
Cincinnati Director of Athletics John Cunningham announced promotions for Ben Hofstetter and Zach Stipe on Tuesday.
Hofstetter, who has led The Agency since 2021, has been promoted to Senior Associate Athletics Director for Strategic Initiatives and Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, he will help guide the department’s vision, focusing on data, technology, NIL engagement, and comprehensive planning, reporting directly to Cunningham.
“Ben has proven to be a trusted advisor for me during my time as the athletic director at the University of Cincinnati,” Cunningham said. “Ben’s commitment to Cincinnati and his work ethic are unmatched, and I will continue to rely on his expertise.”
Over the past three years, Hofstetter has led the department’s NIL strategy, boosted communication and creative efforts, and collaborated with marketing to capitalize on football’s success. Under his leadership, UC’s digital audience grew over 500%. In 2021, the @GoBearcats Twitter account ranked No. 1 nationally in engagements, while UC Athletics’ Instagram led the nation in growth.
Previously, Hofstetter worked in UC’s President’s Office from 2012 to 2017, playing a key role in UC’s Big 12 Conference bid. He joined the athletic department in 2017 as Associate AD for Strategic Initiatives, began guiding the digital strategy in 2019, and managed The Agency starting in 2021.
Stipe to Oversee The Agency, Join Executive Staff
Stipe was promoted to Associate Athletics Director for Communications and Creative Content.
He will have oversight of the The Agency, including communications and strategic brand engagement, social and digital media, photography and creative video and content. Stipe will report directly to Deputy AD of External/Chief Revenue Officer Anthony Di Fino, guide the storytelling vision for the department and oversee all content distribution. He will also serve on Cunningham’s executive staff.
“Zach has improved our media relations and communications strategy and grown as a manager in a short time,” Cunningham said. “He’s the perfect fit to lead and grow our overarching external communications units, and I’m excited to have him join my senior staff.”
Stipe will continue in his roles as the department’s chief communications officer and football sports information director, which he has served in since joining the Bearcats staff as the Associate AD for Communications and Strategic Brand Engagement since 2021.
Stipe has more than 15 years of experience as a media relations contact at UC, Florida State and Tennessee and served as the football SID for two different teams that played in the College Football Playoff, the 2014 Florida State Seminoles and the 2021 Cincinnati Bearcats, as well as the national championship-winning 2013 FSU team.
He has spearheaded the promotional campaigns for more than 50 NFL draft picks and several national award winners, including Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston at FSU and Jim Thorpe Award winner Coby Bryant at UC.
