With over 15 years of experience in the field, Jamie Chagnon just finished his second year as the Director of Athletic Communications at Tufts University and is this year's recipient of the Bob Kenworthy Award.
 

Named in honor of long-time Gettysburg College sports information director Bob Kenworthy, the Kenworthy Award is presented to an extraordinary person or organization for exceptional contributions to the corporation and mission of EAST-COMM.
 

With great enthusiasm for athletic communications, Chagnon's contributions to the profession includes leadership roles within College Sports Communicators (CSC) national organization.  He has served as a CSC Academic All-American District Committee Coordinator, a CSC Membership Recognition Committee Member and a CSC Scholarship Committee member.  While at Susquehanna, Chagnon was elected as the Division III Sports Information Directors of America (D3SIDA) Regional Representative.
 

Let's get to know this year's recipient, Jamie Chagnon.
 

EAST-COMM:  What does it mean to you to be this year's recipient of the Bob Kenworthy Award.
 

JAMIE CHAGNON: "Being recognized by your peers as someone that embodies the traits of someone like Bob Kenworthy means the world to me. I've been in the field for over 20 years now, and each day I've just wanted to love what I do while doing what's right for the schools and student-athletes competing. The recognition is amazing, and it's something that I will share with the people that make our job and field the best out there to be a part of."
 

EC: You are heavily involved in a number of leadership roles within the profession.  What initially made you want to be more involved and how do you continue to maintain the balance with your duties at Tufts and committees as well as work-life balance.
 

JC: "I love what this field has been, is and can be about. Getting more involved has been something I always wanted to do, because I care so deeply about the people that do this job for a living. I understand what we all go through, so being able to help Academic All-American, or D3sida or the CSC Scholarship committee have been roles that have been important to me."
 
 
EC: Outside of collegiate athletics, what other community service or organizations are you involved with?
 

JC: "I think recently, it has been hard to take on a lot outside of the profession in addition to spending time with my two children, Oliver (3) and Abigail (2). Prior to their birth, I coached AAU basketball and coached summer baseball during my time at UNLV. The ability to coach and see how hard that profession is has helped me with growing relationships with coaches at the schools I've been at. I think those experiences also have allowed me to see the full realm of what youth sports and how it is affecting our jobs. It was an invaluable experience.
 

EC:  You have been an active member of East-Comm, D3SIDA, and CSC throughout your career.  What do these organizations mean to you as a professional and how has staying involved helped your career?  Any advice for those looking to get involved but haven't taken the first step?
 

JC: "The one thing that you have to do to get involved is to send the first e-mail or phone call. Also, if applying for positions with D3Sida or CSC, and you don't get that spot…keep trying. Being able to serve on these committees and get different point of views on things, while serving with people that care so much is invigorating. The best part is just being able to see that we care about one another. It's a special field with special people. "
 

EC: What keeps you coming back to the East-Comm Workshops? 
 

JC: "It's a fun environment to learn at, where it's not so big that you can ask questions or bring things up in a more unintimidating space. Also, I think the board does a great job of encouraging young people in the field to attend. The mix of veterans and first-time attendees is always fun to see. Also, to be honest, seeing some of my friends in the field is a big part. We are so siloed in our jobs, that taking the time to see each other is important. The awards banquet is also such a special night, they do an amazing job with that, and of course…Wally World. So much fun."
 

EC: Do you have any advice for young professionals starting their careers in athletic communications?
 

JC: "When you first get started, things are hard and there are a lot of long nights, long weeks and busy days. Focus on the things that get you excited, and don't give those tasks off if you're delegating. If you like taking photos, find time to shoot photos. If you're into graphic design, make sure you take time to get into Photoshop. Make the job fun by doing the things that you love doing along with the stuff that can being mentally exhausting. If you can identify what your loves in the job are, it'll make everything else worth it."