Iowa State University Athletics
Promotions Announced In Development and Ticket Offices
08.25.2026 | Athletics
AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State athletics department has announced the promotion of several individuals in its development and ticket operations offices.
Justin Thompson, who has been employed at Iowa State since 2004, has been elevated into a newly-created position. Thompson most recently served as associate athletics director for ticket operations and will now provide overall strategic leadership as the associate athletics director for annual giving and ticket operations.
"Justin has been a great leader in our department for many years," senior associate athletics director Ryan McGuire said. "I am excited for him to take on this newly-created role in an effort to enhance our revenue-generation strategies around annual giving and ticketing."
Blair Danner, another longtime Iowa State staffer who joined the department in 2011, is being promoted to director of annual giving. Danner recently served as associate director of annual giving and will lead daily operations of the annual giving team, including the Cyclone Club.
"Blair has been a key member of our team for many years and is ready to take a leadership role with annual giving and the Cyclone Club," McGuire added. "Our annual fundraising has grown significantly over the years, and Blair has been a huge part of that."
Jason Davis will step into the role of director of ticket operations after serving as associate director for multiple years. Davis has worked in the athletics department since 2012 and will provide day-to-day leadership of the ticket operations team.
"Jason has been a trusted member of our ticket staff for a long time," McGuire said. "Ticket operations and the revenue that comes with it are more critical than they've ever been, and I am excited for Jason to lead this unit at such an important time."
