NORTHRIDGE, Calif. - CSUN Director of Athletics Shawn Chin-Farrell has announced the hiring of Ryan Cook as Senior Associate Athletics Director / Chief Revenue Officer.
 
Cook, who will spearhead the revenue generation efforts for Athletics, brings to CSUN over 20 years of sports management and administration experience in both professional and amateur athletics.
 
"Ryan brings proven success in all the areas he will oversee," said Chin-Farrell. "Ryan is another key hire for Matador Athletics. With Ryan's extensive experience in sponsorships, ticket sales, and fundraising he will provide vital insight in support of our current team."
 
Most recently, Cook served as the General Manager of the Salinas Sports Complex, home of the California Rodeo, top 10 Professional Rodeos in the United States and the largest in California. While in Salinas, Cook had the overall responsibility for the management of the Salinas Sports Complex, which included finance, marketing, operations, and the maintenance of the facility. During Cook's stint some highlights include, Monster Jam 2023 sell out with over 17,000 in attendance, CSUMB Graduation and complex take-over, 2023 California Rodeo Big Week posted a historic record breaking attendance with over 112,000 on site and raised over 771,020 for local nonprofits in less than a week, the largest philanthropic donation in 113 years of the CA Rodeo.
 
Cook brings a wealth of experience in the collegiate athletics landscape. As Associate Athletics Director, Director of Development at Long Beach State from 2021-23, Cook was responsible for leading the Beach Athletic Fund while also redeveloping and launching the major giving arm of LBSU athletics. Prior to Long Beach State, he served as Associate Athletics Director, Director of Development at California State University San Bernardino from 2018-21. In addition to leading the Coyotes Annual Fund, he secured naming rights for both the arena floor as well as the student-athlete academic success center and procured several new scholarship endowments. Cook also served as the Learfield IMG College General Manager for Cleveland State University from 2017-18 and was the Assistant Athletics Director, Director of Corporate Partnerships at Seattle University from 2015-17, raising over $1 million in revenue for the athletics department.
 
"I am beyond thrilled to embark on this journey with the Matadors and the CSUN community." Cook said. "With my background in the CSU system and the Big West Conference, I am confident that I can hit the ground running, accelerating our progress in crafting the 2024 strategic revenue plan. It's an honor to collaborate once again with Athletic Director Shawn Chin-Farrell and Men's Basketball Coach Andy Newman, whose vision and dedication inspire me. I wholeheartedly believe in Shawn's mission and his remarkable ability to foster both leaders and a winning culture. I extend my gratitude to Senior Associate Athletics Director/SWA/Chief Operating Officer, Sonia Hahn, and Faculty Athletics Representative, Dr. Cedric Hackett, for this incredible opportunity. I eagerly anticipate the chance to engage with campus leadership, faculty, and staff, immersing myself in learning and contributing as we prepare for the exciting journey ahead into Fall 2024."
 
In the professional ranks, Cook has worked in the NBA for the Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Hornets, and the Los Angeles Clippers, in the MLB with the Los Angeles Angels, and in minor league baseball with the High Desert Mavericks, Class A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners followed by the Texas Rangers during Cook's stint as General Manager.
 
An accomplished student-athlete, Cook boasts a stellar record in water polo, earning recognition as an All-American and clinching championships at every tier of competition. Notably, he achieved the highest scoring total in CIF Division I, leading Newport Harbor High School to victory in the CIF Southern Section in 2000. Embarking on his collegiate journey at USC on a water polo scholarship, Cook was part of the team securing NCAA National Championships in 2003 and 2005. After a brief hiatus, he reignited his water polo career in 2008, contributing to Golden West College's CCCAA Title. Cook's dedication to the sport extended to his involvement with the United States National Team from a young age in which he still stays active and supportive.
 
A Southern California native, Cook earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations at the University of Southern California in 2007. He has served in advisory roles on numerous boards including the Costa Mesa Aquatic Club, Newport Beach Lifeguard Association, and the California Surf Lifesaving Association. A beach lifeguard for the City of Newport Beach Fire Department for 24 years, Cook has a passion for his family, youth sports, animals, and the beach.
 
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