Fairfield, Conn. – Sacred Heart University Executive Director of Athletics Judy Ann Riccio has announced the appointment of Daniel Ruede as the Associate Director of Athletics for Athletic Communications. Ruede joins the Pioneer athletics staff after spending the previous nine years as the Associate AD for Strategic Communications at the University of New Haven.

"We continue to elevate the standard at Sacred Heart, and the addition of Dan to lead our communications unit reaffirms our commitment to that mission," said Riccio. "We are delighted to welcome someone with Dan's previous experience to our staff. Throughout the process his professionalism and commitment to excellence stood out and we are confident that he will continue to help elevate our program to new levels."

"I am incredibly grateful to accept the role of Associate Director of Athletics for Athletic Communications at Sacred Heart University," Ruede said. "I would like to thank Executive Director of Athletics Judy Ann Riccio and Senior Deputy Athletics Director Mike Morrison for this opportunity., I am thrilled to join Pioneer Nation and help build upon a strong tradition of excellence on the fields and courts, in the classroom and in the community."

At New Haven, Ruede oversaw all communications, marketing, promotions and brand management efforts for the Chargers 20 varsity sports. In addition to his on-campus responsibilities he also served on a number of conference, regional and national committees, including serving a three-year stint on the College Sports Communicators Executive Board of Directors.

"I am excited to have Dan join our external team," Morrison commented. "He will be a valued member of our senior leadership, and I am confident he will lead our communications department in telling the story of our student-athletes, coaches and programs in a new and dynamic way."

Overall, Ruede comes to Sacred Heart with more than 20 years of professional experience including a 10-year tenure at the University of New Haven and six years at his alma mater, Central Connecticut State University, first as a student-assistant before taking a full-time position with the Blue Devils following graduation.

He earned his undergraduate degree in communications from Central Connecticut State in 2003 with a minor in journalism. A native of Hartford, Conn., Ruede currently resides in Middletown, Conn. with his wife Kristen and daughter Madison.