Assistant AD Geoff Hassard Honored by EAST-COMM

Hassard receives Nevis Award for Distinguished Achievement

Assistant Director of Athletics Geoffrey Hassard was honored this past Thursday as the recipient of the Pete Nevins Award for Distinguished Service by the Eastern Athletic Communications Association – EAST-COMM (formerly ECAC-SIDA). Hassard received the award at the annual EAST-COMM professional development workshop held this year in Williamsport, PA.

The Pete Nevins Award is presented to an individual in recognition of his or her advancement of the field of athletic communications and advocacy for intercollegiate athletics. The winner must have served at least 25 years in the sports information field, and be either a current or former member of EAST-COMM. The award is presented at the discretion of the EAST-COMM Executive Board, and only one winner can be named per year.

“While I am honored to be recognized, it’s still quite humbling to be recognized by your peers,” remarked Hassard. “Pete was someone who we all admired and wanted to emulate because of how he went about his job. A true professional who was a mentor to many young people during his incredible career. I had the pleasure of knowing Pete and he was always available to talk with anyone who needed his help or advice.”

Hassard joined the NEC Athletics Department in October of 2023. He returned to the New England area after retiring from SUNY Oneonta where he spent 23 years as the Sports Information Director, including the final 14 years with added responsibilities as an Assistant Athletic Director. Overall, he has more than 30 years of experience in collegiate athletics, all at the NCAA Division III level.

Hassard is responsible for internal operations for the department, which includes scheduling and game contracts, game operations, facility scheduling and overseeing the hiring and scheduling of student workers while also supervising department staff.

Throughout his career Hassard served in various leadership roles for both his regional and national professional associations. He served on the Executive Board of CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America – now College Sports Communicators) for a three-year term as the representative from the Northeast Region. He also served on the Executive Board of the Eastern College Athletic Conference Sports Information Directors Association – now EAST-COMM – culminating with his Presidency in 2012-13.

Previously, Hassard was honored for his excellence and contributions in athletics communications receiving ECAC-SIDA Irving T. Marsh Award in 2014. As he retired from SUNY Oneonta in July of 2022, the athletics department honored him by creating “The Geoff Hassard Commitment Award” which is bestowed annually to a deserving student athlete for their commitment, loyalty and service to their team, the department of athletics and the college community.

###

Learn More
Apply to NEC
Explore Academic Degree Programs
Read More NEC News