Administration Bios

JOHN LAMBERT
Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development

John Lambert enters his first year leading the Athletics Development effort after a very successful stint overseeing the External Relations operation for the Division. Lambert, who joined the University in 1996 after 5 successful years with the Buffalo Bisons - the AAA affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, has had a highly-decorated career in marketing earning numerous awards, including being named the Division I-A Marketer of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators in 2001. In 2003, he was recognized with a Premiere's Award nomination, presented annually by the Government of Ontario to graduates of Ontario Colleges in appreciation for outstanding career accomplishments and contributions to the community. During his tenure in External Relations, Lambert was instrumental in the department's move to I-A in 1999 and meeting the 2006 NCAA attendance requirement. In his new role, Lambert will be in charge of growing the private funding of the Athletic Department. A graduate of Niagara College, Canada, Lambert also holds a BS in Business Management from Empire College. He resides in Amherst with his wife Kelly and children Lindsey and Dylan.

ANUCHA BROWNE SANDERS
Senior Associate Athletic Director for Marketing/Senior Woman Administrator

Anucha Browne Sanders begins her first year at the University at Buffalo. In her position, Browne Sanders will lead the areas of ticket sales, corporate marketing, event management and game promotions as well as serve as the Senior Woman Administrator. In her capacity as Sr. Associate AD she will also serve as the administrator for the women's basketball, volleyball and softball programs. Browne Sanders brings impressive credentials to Buffalo as she most recently spent six years as the Senior Vice President for Marketing and Business Operations for the New York Knicks. While with the Knicks, Browne Sanders oversaw the marketing efforts of the Knicks, including ticket sales, advertising and design, fan development, event presentation, community relations, field marketing, alumni relations, new media and special events. In 2002, she was named one of the Sports Business Journal's Top 40 Under 40 Sports Executives. Prior to joining the Knicks, Browne Sanders spent 11 years with IBM Corporation. A 1985 graduate of Northwestern University, Browne Sanders had an outstanding career for the Wildcats' women's basketball team. She earned a master's degree in communications from Florida State University.

CHRISTINA HERNANDEZ
Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations

Christina Hernandez was was elevated to her current position in June 2007 after spending the last two years as Assistant Athletic Director for Business Operations. In her current role, Hernandez will be responsible for overseeing business operations, human resources, information technology and facilities. Hernandez began working in UB's Division of Athletics in June of 2001 as Assistant Director of Business Operations, and she was promoted to Director of Business Operations in October of 2003. Prior to coming to UB, she worked at Trocaire College as the Director of Student Services with oversight of student accounts, financial aid, registration and advisement. She also worked at Erie Community College in an administrative capacity working with the finances of a grant-funded program. Hernandez holds a bachelor's degree in management with a concentration in human resources from UB and a master's degree in organizational communication and development from Canisius College. She resides in her hometown of Orchard Park with her husband Nestor and their son, Evan.

PAUL VECCHIO
Associate Athletic Director for Communications/Sports Administrator

Paul Vecchio was appointed to his current position in November of 2006 after serving as the University's Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Communications since 2000. He was orignally hired as Director of Athletic Communications in 1995. Vecchio oversees all aspects of external communications, radio/television and media relations for the Division of Athletics. His office's work has won several national awards from the College Sports Information Directors of America, and he also has served as host of Bulls' television productions. In August of 2003, Vecchio's duties were expanded to include sport supervision of men's and women's tennis, men's and women's cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field and wrestling. Vecchio came to UB from Alfred University where he served as Sports Information Director for three years and was responsible for all areas of athletic promotion and publicity. A native of Olean, NY, he previously worked as a staff writer for the Olean Times-Herald and was the winner of two writing awards while working at the Advertiser-Tribune in Tiffin, OH. Vecchio is a 1990 graduate of Brockport State where he earned his bachelor's degree in communications. He and his wife Dawn have three sons, Jake, Mitchell and Tyler.

DOUG GNODTKE
Associate Athletic Director

Doug Gnodtke was named to his current position in July 2006. Gnodtke serves as the sports administrator for football, men's basketball and baseball. He also oversees the athletic training, sports performance departments and UB Summer Sports Camps program. Prior to coming to Buffalo, Gnodtke served the University of Michigan as an Administrative Specialist and Administrative Services Coordinator. Doug assisted in the administration of football, men's and women's basketball, hockey and strength and conditioning. He also assisted in the area of Academic Services and Development and assisted both the Athletic Director and Associate AD on game contracts, strategic planning as well as the Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor. Gnodtke received his bachelor's degree from Michigan in sports management and communications adn his Master of Business Administration from Michigan in 2006. Gnodtke has also served time with both the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers.

SHARON SANFORD
Assistant Athletic Director

Sharon Sanford expanded her duties in 2006, becoming sports supervisor for rowing and men's and women's swimming. Sanford also oversees the coordinator of student-athlete services and the coordinator of student-athlete housing. Sanford joined the UB athletic department in June of 2002 as a Special Assistant to the Athletics Director, taking responsibility for various community outreach initiatives, such as the Corporate Community Care Program and the Speakers Bureau, community service projects and the implementation and execution of the department's diversity plan, including diversity workshop facilitation. Sanford began working at UB in August of 1993 as the Coordinator of Student Support Services in the Office of Student Multicultural Affairs, and in 1999, was promoted to the Director of the Office of Student Multicultural Affairs. A Buffalo native, Sanford holds a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's degree in student personnel administration, both from Buffalo State College. Sanford and her husband Marvin reside in Williamsville with their three sons, Marvin II, Joseph and Cody.