KU WILLIAMS EDUCATIONAL FUND DIRECTOR (Odds)

Jay Hinrichs, who worked 17 years in various positions with the Kansas City Royals Baseball Club, is in his first year working as director of the Williams Educational Fund at the University of Kansas.

Hinrichs is responsible for serving the more than 3,600 members of the athletics department donor organization and pursuing new members of the group. Last year, the Williams Fund raised more than $5.2 million for athletic scholarships at KU.

Current Williams Fund director... Kansas graduate ... Volunteer statistician at KU men's basketball and football games for 20 years.

During his tenure with the Kansas City Royals, Hinrichs served as director of stadium operations (1984-90), assistant general manager (1990-00) and vice president of ballpark operations and development (2000-01).

In his most recent role with the Royals, Hinrichs was responsible for all facets of the Kauffman Stadium facility and personnel operations, including event and stadium operations, suite sales and services, grounds and landscaping, ticket operations and human resources. He also directed all food service operations, including the Stadium Club Private Club and Banquet facility.

Has worked at the professional level and knows the KU system, but may be too valuable to the Williams Fund for KU to promote him.

In addition, Hinrichs, as assistant general manager, has been involved in player contract negotiations, player trades, free agent acquisitions and team administration.

Hinrichs has served as chairman of the Board of Directors of the regional affiliate of the National Kidney Foundation, where he has been responsible for fund raising, public appearances and the production and direction of special events for the organization.

KU hires Hinrichs to head Williams Fund (5-2-2002)

Hinrichs graduated from the University of Kansas in 1980 and later recieved his Masters of Business Administration-Finance in 1983 from KU. He worked three years (1980-83) in recreation services at his alma mater and also worked one year (1983-84) as a financial analyst for Payless ShoeSource in Topeka.

Hinrichs is married to the former Julie Miller of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and they have one son, Jared, 4.

—Courtesy of Kansas Sports Information.