ANNOUNCEMENT: Justin Doherty Joins Kann Advisory Group as Senior Strategic Advisor
Kann Advisory Group is proud to announce a significant addition to its leadership team: Justin Doherty has joined the firm as Senior Strategic Advisor, bringing more than 30 years of experience in strategic communication, brand development, and collegiate athletics.
In this new role, Justin will work closely with KAG President Kraig Kann, helping lead business development initiatives and expanding the firm’s reach across both corporate and collegiate sectors. He will also take a lead role in the growth of ElevateU, KAG’s fast-growing leadership and branding platform designed for athletic departments, coaches, and student-athletes.
A Trusted Leader in College Athletics
For more than three decades, Justin Doherty served in high-impact roles at the University of Wisconsin, most recently as Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Communications. During his tenure, he helped shape one of the most recognizable brands in college sports—leading media relations, executive messaging, marketing strategy, and media training at the highest levels. He also spent nearly 15 years in sport administration.
Justin’s leadership earned him induction into the College Sports Communicators Hall of Fame, and in 2011, he was awarded the Arch Ward Award, one of the highest honors in the college sports information profession.
“From the first time we met, I was impressed,” said Kraig Kann, President of Kann Advisory Group. “Justin is a powerful asset and brings exactly the kind of credibility, integrity, and influence that will make us better. His track record in message-building, brand strategy, and relationship development is exactly what we need as we continue to grow.”
A Natural Fit for Elevating People and Brands
Justin steps into a role that aligns with his lifelong passion: helping individuals and organizations communicate more clearly and confidently. His ability to connect, coach, and elevate leaders will be key to delivering and expanding KAG’s Elevate Experience programs.
“I’ve had 41 years of unforgettable experiences and relationships in college athletics,” Justin said. “Now, I’m excited for this next chapter, the challenge it presents and the leadership opportunity to grow KAG and help others elevate the way they communicate their brand and present their story. Joining Kraig and the Kann Advisory team in the role he’s presented me is a natural fit and I look forward to what we’ll build together.”
A Proven Communicator and Storyteller
Earlier in his career, Justin held roles at the University of North Dakota and Northern Michigan University, before joining Wisconsin in 1994. He moved into senior administration in 2009 and became a respected advisor to coaches, administrators, and student-athletes alike.
He also served as President of CoSIDA (now CSC) and helped lead CSC into a new partnerhip era with NACDA. As well, he earned nine national publication awards for excellence and, as a published author, has written four books on Wisconsin football history, including:
Tales From the Wisconsin Badgers
The Wisconsin Football Vault
The Dayne Game
What It Means To Be A Badger
Leading the Next Chapter at KAG
In his new role, Justin will drive the expansion of ElevateU, helping shape the next generation of communicators and leaders in college athletics.
“Justin brings the kind of experience and credibility that simply can’t be taught,” said Kann. “He’s been at the center of championship programs, iconic brands, and big moments. He understands people, communication, and what it takes to lead. And for our collegiate platform, his guidance and involvement will be an absolute game-changer.”
“Whether it’s a corporate organization or an athletic department, everyone is trying to sharpen how they’re seen, heard, and remembered,” added Doherty. “What excites me about joining KAG is the bold vision to not just elevate communication, but to transform how leaders connect and lead through it. I’m energized by the opportunity to grow the business, expand its impact, and bring meaningful value to the teams and individuals we serve.”
Welcome to the team, Justin.
Your next chapter starts now—and so does ours.