Thank you, Erika Barnes
About
Erika Hanson Barnes is a shining example of what it is to be an Arizona Wildcat! She epitomizes the “Bear Down for Life” aspiration and has worked tirelessly to support Arizona Athletics, since college.
Alas, the time has come for Tucsonans to demonstrate our support for Erika in her new endeavor. Every farewell is a beginning and as her journey continues, her friends and colleagues remain steadfast in their connection with Erika.
How do you thank someone who has dedicated their career to University of Arizona Athletics and giving back to our community? It has been said that every good-bye carries the weight of a thousand memories. We dedicate this site to Erika and the 23 plus years she has spent championing the University of Arizona. Join us in remembering and acknowledging her unwavering efforts!
History
Erika became a Wildcat in college, playing softball as an outfielder/first baseman on Arizona’s 2001 National Championship team. She graduated in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in communication and was honored as an NFCA Scholar-Athlete All-American. Her accolades did not end there; she also earned an honorable mention on the Pac-10 All-Academic honors for maintaining a 4.0 GPA that semester. In 2010, she earned her M.B.A. from Arizona’s Eller College of Management.
Erika has a rich history with Arizona athletics going back to her college days when she interned for the athletics department’s public relations office. In 2005, Erika was hired by Arizona, and she didn’t look back. In the last two decades she has served the Athletics department in many key leadership positions.
Her marketing savvy and fundraising abilities are unsurpassed; and her Arizona resume is beyond impressive. Here are her accomplishments according to her University of Arizona bio.
Accomplishments
In her time at Arizona, she was the Executive Senior Associate Director of Athletics and served as the Senior Woman Administrator. She led all fundraising operations within the Wildcat Club, as well as the A-Club Letterwinner’s Association. These positions included securing principal gifts, major gifts, annual gifts, analytics, donor benefits, stewardship, and special events. She also oversaw the Sport Administration program, C.A.T.S. Academics and C.A.T.S. Student-Athlete Development.
Erika was also a member of the NCAA Softball Selection Committee and served as Interim Athletics Director in the spring of 2017 during former AD Dave Heeke’s transition. Additionally, she was a member of the Pac-12 Council, which governed and regulated all Pac-12 policies. Erika also chaired and was a member of several Pac-12 committees. In addition to her administrative duties, she was actively engaged in identifying, screening and securing major and principal gifts, and played an integral fundraising role in five major capital campaign projects totaling over $175 million.
Previously, Erika served as Senior Associate Athletics Director for Administration and Major Gifts. In that role, she oversaw all major gift and regional development efforts and specifically handled development efforts in the Phoenix area. Additionally, she was the sports supervisor for the soccer and softball programs as well as the co-chair for the department’s equity committee.
Personal Accomplishments
As if all that wasn’t enough, Erika also served as Associate Athletics Director for Development, Assistant Athletics Director for Development and Assistant Director of Development/Major Gifts. Before entering the development world, she worked in the marketing department as a marketing associate for two years, where she oversaw the marketing efforts for women’s basketball, softball and football’s Fan Fiesta. Prior to returning to Arizona, Barnes worked in marketing and public relations for the New York/New Jersey National Pro Fastpitch Softball team.
Erika’s efforts didn’t stop with her Arizona responsibilities; she also served on the Board of Directors of the Ben’s Bells Project (non-profit growing kindness education program, “Be Kind”) as well as the Tucson Advisory Business Council for Meridian Wealth Management.
Erika is married to former Wildcat All-American golfer Andy Barnes; and they have two children, a daughter, Tillie, and a son, Blake.
Erika has incredible passion for the University of Arizona; and her love for UA Athletics is only exceeded by her relationships with donors, colleagues and friends. Erika embodies all that it means to be an Arizona Wildcat. Those that know and have worked with and supported Erika will miss her smiling face and positive, can-do, never-quit attitude! We know this isn't the end because we will meet again! Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!
Bear Down for Life, Erika!
Love, Your Wildcat Family