DETROIT (2/7/2018) -- The University of Detroit Mercy Department of Athletics has announced that Jason Varlesi has been named the new Director Of Development for athletics.

Varlesi brings a wealth of experience behind him in the areas of development, marketing and media relations, all in the Metro Detroit area.

"Jason will be an outstanding addition to the department of athletics because fundraising is an important area of expertise," said Director of Athletic Robert C. Vowels, Jr. "His experience and skill set matches up very well with his role and responsibilities. He has the demeanor and interpersonal skills needed to interact with alumni, fans and friends of the program and he is comfortable enough to work in uncharted areas to build new relationships and alliances."
 
Varlesi spent the last six years as a family service counselor at St. Hedwig Cemetery & Mausoleum in Dearborn Heights, where he helped increase revenue by over $200,000 during his time. He led the efforts for a company rebrand, including logo, website and marketing material.
 
Before that, he was the marketing and media relations director at Arctic Edge & Arctic Pond Ice Arenas in Plymouth and Canton. There he increased revenue and managed over 30 local and national accounts and posted a 95 percent renewal on all sponsors. He increased marketing traffic for the facilities, which led to an increase in participation and usage for in-house and travel hockey programs.
 
Prior to that position, Varlesi was with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League as a sales and marketing coordinator for two years and helped generate over $700,000 in national and corporate advertising.
 
He also gained extensive sports experience completing internships with the Erie Otters hockey club of the OHL and the Erie Seawolves, The Detroit Tigers AA affiliate minor league baseball team.
 
Varlesi - a 1997 graduate of Dearborn Divine Child High School - graduated from Western Michigan with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing in 2003.