Jonathan Hower was promoted to Associate Executive Director for External Relations on Nov. 1, 2021.
Hower began working with the MAC in October of 2014 in the role of director of media relations. For the past seven years, Hower has run the conference website, managed the extensive awards program and promotion of its 18 institutions, 27 sports and 40 championships. In his new role, he will continue to oversee the conference’s communication and promotion planning while taking more of an administrative lead in key initiatives such as sponsorships and furthering external relations to help grow the conference’s audience.
Hower came to the Annville-based office from the Sunshine State Conference (SSC), an NCAA Division II conference located in Winter Park, Fla. (since relocated to Melbourne, Fla.), where he served as the Assistant Commissioner for Strategic Communications. During his time with the SSC, Hower oversaw communications and media relations duties for the conference’s 18 sponsored sports and nine institutions.
Prior to working for the SSC, Hower spent one year at Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech), an SSC member institution located in Melbourne, Fla., where he acted as the primary media contact for six teams. In his official role as Assistant Director of Athletic Communications, Hower was instrumental in the promotion of the inaugural season of Florida Tech Football. His inaugural football schedule poster earned accolades from the College Sports Information Director of America (CoSIDA).
Hower earned his Master of Education in sport management from Millersville University in 2012. During his two-year program at Millersville, he also served as the graduate assistant in the athletic communications department. He was the primary media contact for 11 teams, including the Marauder men’s soccer team that advance to the NCAA Division II semifinal round for the first time in school history. He also played an active role in introducing video to the athletics website and social media outlets.
The Gettysburg, Pa., native gained additional experience in the athletic communications field while serving internships at a pair of NCAA Division III institutions, Elizabethtown College (2012) and Gettysburg College (2008-10).
Hower earned his Bachelors of Science degree in digital communications with a minor in business administration from MAC member Lebanon Valley College in 2008.
Hower currently resides in Lititz, Pa., with his wife, Erica, and dog, Blue.