WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – University of Hartford Director of Athletics Mary Ellen Gillespie has announced the hiring of Danielle Upham as Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Facilities, Events and Operations. Upham brings more than seven years of experience at the Division I level to the position.
 
In addition to serving as a key member of Hartford's senior management team, Upham will be responsible for the facility management and operations team, including the development and implementation of marketing strategies designed to increase revenue streams for all areas within the Athletics facilities operations.
 
"Danielle is an outstanding addition to our team," said Gillespie. "She brings a wealth of experience and leadership in facility and events management, and is a strong team player who will work well with our coaches, staff, fans and University partners. We are excited for Danielle to join the Hawks."
 
Upham comes to Hartford from the University of Connecticut, where she spent the past five years working in the Department of Athletics. Hired as the Assistant Director of Event Management in 2014, she was promoted to Director of Event Management in 2016. 
 
"I would like to thank Mary Ellen Gillespie for the opportunity to join the Hartford Hawks," said Upham. "This department has a dynamic vision, and I am looking forward to contributing to the development of the student-athlete experience, enhancement of athletic facilities and the overall growth of the championship culture. I am excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with campus partners and assist in continuing to move the University forward."
 
As the Director of Event Management at UConn, Upham was responsible for the management and operation of regular-season and postseason competitions for men's soccer, women's basketball, and track and field. In addition, she oversaw operations for women's soccer, tennis and softball, and was responsible for maintaining the master schedule for all athletics facilities, including games, practices, external events and University events.
 
In her first role at UConn, Upham was responsible for the operations of the Huskies' women's soccer, field hockey, men's ice hockey, softball and track and field teams.
 
Prior to her time at UConn, Upham spent one year as a graduate assistant for event management at LSU and as the assistant director of facilities and operations at Bryant.
 
A native of Chichester, N.H., Upham received her bachelor's and master's degrees in sport management from UConn in 2012 and 2016, respectively.