TCU Alumnus Named to National College Sports Leadership Role

A Horned Frog is stepping into one of the most consequential communications roles in college athletics. Kenny Thompson Jr. ’03, a former TCU baseball player who also served on the university’s Board of Trustees, has been named the inaugural head of strategic communications and external affairs for the College Sports Commission (CSC).

The newly created senior role places Thompson at the center of how college sports are governed during a period of sweeping change. He began his tenure July 7 and reports to Chief Executive Officer Bryan Seeley, leading an integrated strategy that spans media, government affairs, stakeholder engagement and the commission’s digital platforms. Thompson will serve as a senior strategic advisor to the CEO, a primary spokesperson for the organization and a central point of contact for the conferences, member schools, athletes and policymakers invested in the future of college sports.

For Thompson, the assignment is deeply personal. His path to national leadership began, in part, on the field at TCU.

“My time as a student-athlete shaped who I am, and I care about getting this right for the schools and athletes,” Thompson said. “This is a big moment for college sports. The decisions being made now will shape it for years to come. I am honored to help the CSC build on its work.”

At TCU, leaders say Thompson’s appointment reflects the leadership, integrity and collaborative approach that have defined his career since his days as a Horned Frog student-athlete.

“Kenny has earned the respect of leaders across college athletics because he leads with integrity, collaboration and a deep understanding of the issues shaping our industry,” said Mike Buddie, director of intercollegiate athletics. “His experience as a Horned Frog student-athlete, Trustee and nationally respected communications leader gives him a unique perspective for this role. We couldn’t be more proud to see him helping shape the future of college athletics.”

Thompson brings decades of communication and external affairs experience across both private and public sectors. He most recently served as senior vice president and chief public affairs officer at Vail Resorts and before that as vice president of external affairs at PepsiCo, where he directed engagement on Capitol Hill. Earlier in his career, he served as a senior adviser in the White House. He holds an MBA from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.

His ties to TCU have remained strong since his playing days. Thompson concluded his service on the university’s Board of Trustees before beginning his new role with the commission.

“Kenny brings decades of experience advising organizations through complex moments,” Seeley said. “As college sports adapt to a new set of rules, how the CSC communicates with schools, conferences and student-athletes matters more than ever. I look forward to welcoming Kenny to the CSC and the work ahead.”

The CSC is an independent body established in 2025 to oversee and enforce compliance with rules governing student-athlete compensation, including institutional revenue sharing and third-party name, image and likeness (NIL) agreements. The organization describes its mission as bringing structure and accountability to the collegiate athletics system in the name of fairness, integrity and opportunity.

From the baseball diamond at TCU to one of the most influential communications roles in college athletics, Thompson’s journey reflects the lasting impact of Horned Frogs who continue to Lead On.