Zachary Hurst joined the Missouri Valley Conference as Assistant Commissioner, External Relations in September 2023.
In his role, Hurst works collaboratively across the Conference's external operations, supporting marketing, branding, championship presentation, fan engagement, and corporate partnership initiatives that enhance the visibility of the Missouri Valley Conference and its member institutions. He contributes to integrated marketing efforts across the League's 18 championship events, assists with sponsorship activation and broadcast productions, and helps deliver engaging championship experiences through game presentation and partner activation. Hurst also collaborates with member institutions, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, sports commissions, host venues, and community partners to support championship planning and maximize the economic and community impact of MVC championship events.
Prior to joining the Missouri Valley Conference, Hurst served as Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships for the Daytona Tortugas, where he developed integrated partnership campaigns, coordinated promotional initiatives, and enhanced the fan experience through creative marketing activations. He previously spent three years at Stetson University, including his final season as Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing, Sponsorship & Community Outreach.
Earlier in his career, Hurst served as Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing, Promotions, Camps & Game Operations at Ashland University.
Hurst began his career at Indiana State University, where he served as a student manager for the Sycamore women's basketball program while assisting with athletic marketing initiatives and supporting community outreach efforts for the Larry Legend Foundation.
A native of Borden, Indiana, Hurst earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana State University, a master's degree in athletic administration from Indiana University, and an MBA from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.