ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone recently announced the hiring of Josh Baker as the new Director of Marketing & Fan Engagement.

Baker brings an extremely strong resume into his new position with UNC Asheville athletics after serving as the Director of Marketing at both Western Carolina and Kennesaw State.

“We are thrilled to add Josh to our External Relations team at UNC Asheville,” Assistant Athletic Director for External Relations Brian Hand said. “Josh comes very highly recommended and obviously his past experience speaks for itself. He knows the area and he will be huge asset for UNC Asheville athletics.”

A 2010 graduate of the University of North Florida, Baker started his career working at his alma mater from 2011-2016 where he served as the Marketing Coordinator and the Assistant Director of Marketing.

During his time at North Florida, Baker helped increase ticket sales for men’s basketball by 40 percent. He also helped the athletics department break attendance records in men’s basketball, women’s soccer and men’s soccer. Baker created North Florida’s student spirit section, which has increased by 1,500 percent since 2011.

During his time as Director of Marketing at Western Carolina, Baker helped lead Western Carolina to its highest home football attendance in 25 years. The Catamounts finished in the top-25 in all of the FCS. He also helped increase attendance at men’s basketball and baseball.

Baker’s time at Kennesaw State saw the Owls finish atop the Big South football attendance standings and first in the Atlantic Sun in women’s soccer and volleyball attendance. Kennesaw State also had huge increases in men’s and women’s basketball attendance.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to work here at UNC Asheville and return to the mountains of North Carolina,” Baker said. “I am looking forward to connecting with both the local community and campus community to continue to enhance fan engagement, brand recognition and attendance within our events. Additionally, I would like to thank Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone, Brian Hand and Terri Brne for their belief and trust in me as I begin this role. Go Bulldogs!”