As the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl embarks on its 46th year, the Independence Bowl Foundation has named Andrew Givens as its Director of Development.
“We are excited to have Andrew join our Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl and Independence Bowl Foundation team,” said Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Executive Director Missy Setters. “Andrew joined the Foundation about a year-and-a-half ago and immediately got involved by volunteering in multiple areas and has been tremendously helpful to us and the organization. As a staff, we are looking forward to working with him on a daily basis. We are also very thankful for Logan Lewis’ tireless work over the past six years and are excited for him as he transitions into his new role with the Red River Revel.”
Givens’ appointment as Director of Development comes after the departure of Director of Marketing and Memberships, Logan Lewis, who was recently named as the Executive Director of the Red River Revel. Givens will be responsible for creating synergies with new and existing local and national partnerships, as well as advancing the development of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl and Independence Bowl Foundation through sponsorship and membership development.
“I had the opportunity to work closely with Missy [Setters] and the dedicated staff, board of directors and all of the many volunteers on this year’s highly-viewed game between UAB and BYU,” stated Givens. “I am excited to become a member of the staff by continuing to grow partnerships and building relationships in the Shreveport-Bossier City community”.
Givens previously was a member of the Independence Bowl Foundation Board of Directors and served on the hospitality and membership committees for the 2021 game. He has held several executive positions in television for NBC, ABC and FOX affiliate TV stations including KMSS-TV FOX 33 in Shreveport, La.
Givens previously has developed business opportunities nationally and globally in his role as Vice President of Partnerships for The Kaleidoscope Group and as National Partnership Specialist for the Department of Commerce, US Census Bureau 2010. Givens previously served as Senior Director, Partnership Marketing for ESPN Mobile – where he launched and marketed the ESPN Mobile cell phone and was responsible for partnerships developed with ESPN Mobile and the NFL, MLB, NBA, MLS and NCAA, as well as major corporations such as NIKE, VISA, Hilton Hotels, GM and others.
Prior to ESPN, he was Senior Director of Marketing for Scripps Networks (consisting of the Food Network, DIY, HGTV, Fine Living and Great American Country). Prior to Scripps Networks, Givens was the Director of Multicultural Marketing for BET Movies (STARZ in Black). Givens also worked for Home Box Office (HBO) – managing sales and marketing, launching award winning series and films such as Sex and the City, Sopranos, OZ, Tuskegee Airmen, Soul of the Game, The Dorothy Dandrich Story and others. Givens has won several national awards including the Beacon Award, NAACP Image Award, NAMIC Excellence Award and BET Award.
Givens has served on several boards including the Independence Bowl Foundation, Willie Stargell Foundation, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Habitat for Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs, Soccer in the Streets, National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications, National Association of Black Journalists, and as Chairman of the National Board for the American Kidney Fund.