Kyle Babson

Hometown: Olathe, Kan. Position: Strategic Communications Manager

Kyle Babson isn't giving up his guitar despite changing industries when he joined Kansas Athletics as strategic communications manager in November 2012. The Kansas graduate returned to his alma mater after previously working as a digital marketing manager at Live Nation Entertainment, promoting some of the top names in the music industry.

Babson, who plays guitar in a band in his spare time, manages the Jayhawks' marketing and communications through social and interactive media. While at Live Nation, Babson invented the concept and oversaw the development of a music and merchandise application for Facebook that is used by more than 350 artists, including Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Green Day. Babson's efforts helped increase ticket sales for three of the top 100 concert tours in North America by an average of 29 percent year over year from 2008-2010.

Babson is no stranger to athletics, having also worked with the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University athletic departments, both Live Nation clients. Additionally, Babson ran cross country and was a member of the track and field team at Olathe East High School.

Babson earned an English literature degree from KU in 2006. He is an active member of the American Advertising Federation - Kansas City (AAFKC) and Social Media Club of Kansas City (SMCKC). When he's not tweeting about the Jayhawks or making music, Babson enjoys running, playing tennis, reading and watching movies.

The best part of Kyle's job...
It's a real pleasure to facilitate and follow the social media conversations that take place on gameday. The excitement that happens there after a big play is often times just as palpable as it is in person.

Kyle's favorite Kansas Athletics memory...
I was a student at KU in 2003 when Collison and Hinrich took us to the National Championship game. I'll never forget the experience and the atmosphere of celebrating the win over Marquette in the Final Four.