CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens University of Charlotte Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout announced the promotion of Brandon Johnson to Queens Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations amid the department's status as a full NCAA Division I member this season. Johnson, entering his 10^th season with the Royals, was previously named the senior associate athletic director of business development and sponsorship in January.
 
In his new role, Johnson will continue to play an integral part in strategic planning and operations for Queens Athletics. Along with spearheading the development of corporate sponsorship and revenue-generating initiatives to support goals set forth, he will play a larger role in advancement as the front-line fundraiser responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts in support of the Royals. He will also continue providing oversight for the department's financial strategy and business operations.
 
"As I stated back in January, Brandon elevates our department in every space he steps into," said Swarthout. "I do not doubt that he is the right person to lead our fundraising efforts as we enter another exciting time in our athletic history. As a full NCAA DI member, the Royals are once again eligible to compete for NCAA Championships, and hitting our fundraising goals is crucial to our success. I look forward to cultivating new relationships right alongside Brandon and our advancement team as we continue our mission to intentionally promote student-athlete experience that fosters excellence in education and competition."
 
Due to NCAA reclassification rules, Queens has not been eligible to compete for NCAA Championships for the past three seasons. However, the Royals have continued to find success both inside and outside the classroom, in competition, and in the community. The Royals made a total of 45 postseason appearances over the past three seasons while maintaining a department GPA of over 3.40.  Queens athletes also spent over 22,000 hours in the Charlotte community living out the Queens motto, "not to be served, but to serve."
 
"I am honored to be named Queens Deputy Athletic Director of External Operations," Johnson stated. "Taking the lead in our fundraising efforts allows me to unite sponsorships, philanthropy, and fan engagement into one powerful vision for student-athlete success. Every partnership and every gift helps to fuel opportunities for the Royals to excel in any space. I look forward to working alongside our donors, alumni, and partners to continue championing support for Queens Athletics, and we are grateful for all the contributions that have been made throughout our history that have helped us become who we are and who we will continue to be."
 
Other key changes to fundraising include Caitlin Sangha providing support as the department of athletics' chief of staff and director of annual giving, overseeing The Royals Club and the Investing in Champions campaign. Additionally, Queens currently has a job opening for an office manager within the athletics department. Individuals interested in applying can visit the Queens career opportunities page here.
 
Johnson joined the department in 2015 as the director of sports medicine. He administered all areas of athletic training services and supervised the sports performance department, expanding and exploring partnerships to enhance the Royals' access to outstanding medical services. He was also pivotal in Queens' efforts to get students safely back on campus amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Serving as a member of the University's COVID-19 Response Team, his expertise was leveraged to help spearhead Queens Athletics' COVID-19 testing protocols. In 2021, he was promoted to associate athletic director of sports medicine and wellness performance. At the start of the reclassification process, Johnson transitioned out of the sports medicine department with the Royals.
 
The annual Investing in Champions campaign is currently underway, and the Division I Celebration is scheduled to take place during Queens' Family and Friends Weekend on Friday, September 26. Read more here.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow Queens Athletics to stay updated on all the Royals sports teams in action by searching @QueensAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.