Dr. Connor Whelan was named Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) in June of 2025.
In his role at Toledo, Whelan oversees all external operations, including corporate partnerships, revenue strategy, development, premium seating, marketing, brand strategy, ticket sales and fan engagement, playing a key leadership role in the department’s financial growth initiatives. He also serves as the sport administrator for men's basketball and women's voleyball.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Connor Whelan to Team Toledo,” said Bryan B. Blair, Vice President and Director of Athletics. “Connor is a rising star and one of the most highly recommended young leaders in college athletics—his name came up repeatedly from some of the brightest minds in our industry. What stood out throughout the process was his elite energy, relentless work ethic, and genuine hunger—not just to be at Toledo, but to grow, to lead, and to help take the Rockets to new heights.
“He’s a gritty competitor with an entrepreneurial mindset. His extensive experience in revenue generation, fan experience, and student engagement—from the Sun Belt to the ACC and SEC—combined with his background as a Division I student-athlete, makes him uniquely equipped to elevate our people, our brand, and our impact.”
Whelan brings a wealth of experience in athletic administration, fan experience, student engagement, and revenue generation, most recently serving as Associate Athletic Director for Fan Experience and Sales at Mississippi State University. During his tenure at Mississippi State from 2022-25, Whelan spearheaded record-breaking ticket sales, innovative marketing campaigns, and historic attendance milestones. He led the rollout of a new outbound ticket sales program that generated more than $5 million in revenue and set all-time football ticket revenue records ($27.1 million in 2023).
Additionally, he led the strategy for “Super Bulldog Weekend,” which set an NCAA on-campus baseball attendance record (16,423 fans), generated more than $1 million in revenue, and included the first ever major concert production following a college baseball game featuring country singer Brett Eldredge.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Toledo Rockets and Bryan Blair’s team,” said Whelan. “Toledo is a premier program within the Group of 5 and routinely stands out nationally for its accomplishments in both athletic and academic pursuits. I cannot wait to help guide the department and campus to even greater heights. As a Western Pennsylvania native, this area of the country is home to me and I couldn’t be more excited to be back. Big things are ahead and I am excited to be able to play a part in the future success of Toledo Athletics.”
Prior to his tenure at Mississippi State, Whelan served as Assistant Athletic Director for Fan Experience and Sales at Wake Forest University where he guided football marketing efforts to three sellouts and set record-breaking ticket revenue numbers in 2021.
Whelan also held positions at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the University of Arkansas. At Louisiana Lafayette, he led a marketing team that produced dramatic increases in sales revenue and guided efforts that resulted in No. 1 attendance marks in the Sun Belt Conference in men’s basketball, baseball and softball.
Whelan holds a Ph.D. in Sports Management from Troy University, an MBA from the University of Arkansas, and a bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration from Kent State University, where he was also a two-time MAC All-Academic cross country/track student-athlete.
Whelan will begin his role at Toledo on June 23, 2025.
CONNOR WHELAN FILE
Professional Experience
2022-25 Mississippi State University
- Associate Athletic Director for Fan Experience and Sales
2021-22 Wake Forest University
- Assistant Athletic Director for Fan Experience and Sales
2018-21 University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- 2019-21: Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and External Engagement
- 2018-19: Director of Marketing and Fan Engagement
2016-18 University of Arkansas
- Marketing and Fan Experience Associate
Education
Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration, Kent State University, 2016
Master of Business Administration, University of Arkansas, 2018
Ph.D. in Sports Management, Troy University, 2024
What they are saying about Connor Whelan
“In Connor Whelan, Toledo is getting a natural leader who inspires those around him to think critically and harness innovation. His proven ability to drive revenue, enhance the fan experience and implement a strategic vision will continue to help elevate the Rockets’ brand under Bryan Blair’s leadership.”
- Rhett Hobart, Deputy Athletic Director – Auburn University
“Connor Whelan is one of the brightest young administrators in college athletics today. He is smart, innovative, and personable. His leadership and acumen to elevate brands and generating revenue will be a tremendous asset for Toledo. Congratulations to Bryan Blair on a terrific hire!”
- Nico Yantko, Director of Athletics – Murray State University
“Bryan Blair has made an outstanding choice in Connor Whelan. Connor is a talented, energetic, and experienced leader who will grow and enhance all areas of Toledo Athletics.”
- Jeff Long, Former Athletic Director at Kansas, Arkansas and Pittsburgh; Former Chair of the College Football Playoff Committee
“Connor is an emerging leader in college athletics administration. His track record in strategic marketing and revenue generation is well-established, and there's no doubt he'll make an immediate and lasting impact on the external operations at Toledo. We’re proud to have been part of his journey and look forward to seeing all he accomplishes in this new role.”
- Tom Greene, Deputy Athletic Director/Chief Revenue Officer – Mississippi State University
