Bob Williams, former director of public affairs for Air Combat Command, the United States Air Force's largest combat organization, has been named managing director of media and public relations at the NCAA national office.

As leader of the Association's public and media relations efforts, Williams will serve as the primary national media contact and spokesperson on a number of issues and will work with membership and national office senior leadership to implement the goals outlined in the NCAA's strategic plan.

"Communicating to a variety of key stakeholders is critical to the NCAA's success, just as it is at the Air Force," Williams said. "I'm excited about joining the team communicating the NCAA's goals and priorities with student-athletes and their families, the membership and the public."

"We are fortunate Bob is joining the national office's public and media relations staff," said Dennis Cryder, NCAA senior vice-president for branding and commu-
nications. "The Association's strategic plan has identified advocacy as a key goal. With Bob's proven skills, we will actively communicate the positives associated with intercollegiate athletics."

Recently retired from the Air Force after more than 20 years, Williams has managed Air Force public affairs in a number of capacities since 1988. In his most recent position, he oversaw all public affairs efforts for Air Combat Command -- which is made up of 170,000 people and provides combat air forces for military operations around the world -- at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. The position required him to lead a team of 54 communication professionals to develop global communications strategies. His unit provided public relations oversight to 198 additional public relations professionals in 22 locations around the world.

Williams was chief of the Air Force's Public Communication Division at the Pentagon from 1998 to 2002, during which he led the Air Force's branding efforts that included development of a corporate logo and advertising campaign.

He has also served as director of public affairs for the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base (1996-98), chief of the External Relations Division for Germany-based U.S. Air Forces in Europe (1993-96), director of public affairs for the 363d Fighter Wing (1991-93) and chief of media relations in the Air Force's Eastern Regional Office in New York (1988-91).

Williams has received numerous awards from the Air Force for his work in public affairs.

He has a bachelor's degree in mass communication from the State University College at Buffalo, and a master's degree in mass communication and public relations from Boston University.