Blake Johnson

University of North Dakota Deputy Director of Athletics/COO Erik Martinson announced on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, that Blake Johnson has been hired as the Assistant Athletic Director for Operations.
 
Johnson most recently worked with the Kansas City Royals, where he played a key role in orchestrating daily equipment and logistics for 81 Major League Baseball home games. His work ensured seamless behind-the-scenes operations and supported real-time needs for players and coaching staff in a high-pressure environment. His proactive coordination and adaptability contributed directly to the success of game-day operations.
 
In addition to his work with the Royals, Johnson has held roles in hospitality and real estate, including managing high-volume service operations at Jayhawk Cafe and co-founding Sunflower Estates, where he led investor communications and built a marketing-focused website to drive lead generation.
 
Johnson earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business and Communications at the University of Kansas in 2024 and holds certifications in Athlete Marketing NIL, Sports Marketing, Modern Ticketing and Lean Six Sigma.