BOSTON – Emmanuel College Director of Athletics Olivia Berry announced Wednesday the promotion of David Rixham to Assistant Athletic Director, Director of Athletic Communications and Compliance, effective as of August 25. The promotion comes as Rixham enters his fifth year with the Saints, most recently serving as the Director of Athletic Communications for the department.
Rixham started his Emmanuel career in 2021, coming in as the Assistant Director of Athletic Communications, serving in that position for two years. His first promotion came in the summer of 2023, as he became the Director of Athletic Communications prior to the start of the fall semester.
In the two years that followed, alongside members of his staff, the Saints athletic communications department revamped its mission and quickly became a popular and prominent name thanks to an aggressive social media push and style change in the way Saints athletics was promoted across the community.
"David has been an invaluable and trusted partner in our athletics administration, consistently delivering excellence in athletic communications, oversight of our student-workers, and increased social media presence throughout his tenure with our department," said Berry. "His promotion to Assistant Athletic Director with the added responsibility of compliance reflects my confidence in his ability to expand his impact while continuing to elevate our communications efforts."
With this promotion, Rixham adds compliance to his duties, verifying that all of Emmanuel's student-athletes are cleared to compete by the standards of the institution and the NCAA. He will implement and execute programs provided by the NCAA, distributing them to Emmanuel student-athletes and coaches to ensure all members of the department are in good standing and remain compliant with NCAA standards.
"I want to thank AD Olivia Berry and our VP of Student Affairs, Dr. Jenn Forry, for having the faith and trust in me to promote me to this new position," said Rixham. "My goal has remained constant throughout my time at Emmanuel; the promotion of our institution and our immensely talented students and student-athletes is what makes Emmanuel a special place. Sharing those stories will remain a top priority as I transition into this new role."
A native of Northbridge, Mass., Rixham has been in the athletic communications field since 2015, starting his career as an intern at his alma mater, Worcester State University. In 2016, he was hired at Newbury College as the Sports Information Director, before heading to Becker College in 2019, where he worked for two years before coming to Emmanuel in August of 2021.
"I've had the pleasure of working with so many people who have played an important role in getting me to where I am," added Rixham. "I'd be remiss if I didn't thank all those who have impacted me along the way. From my internship at Worcester State, to my first job at Newbury, a stop at Becker, and my colleagues past and present at Emmanuel, without all of you, this moment wouldn't be possible."
Rixham graduated from Worcester State University in 2016 with a degree in Communications, concentrated in Journalism. He's recently attend NCAA workshops, including the NCAA Convention this past January.
"I'm excited to see Dave's continued professional growth in this expanded role, and I know his dedication and institutional knowledge will serve our student-athletes and entire athletic program exceptionally well," added Berry.
