Staff Directory
Chris Pope
- Title:
- General Manager: Highlanders Sports Properties/Learfield Sports
- Email:
Chris Pope serves as General Manager of Highlanders Sports Properties, the LEARFIELD team representing UC Riverside Athletics. In this role, he oversees corporate partnerships, sponsorship sales, and strategic revenue generation initiatives that support the Highlanders' 17 NCAA Division I programs.
Chris brings more than 15 years of experience in professional and collegiate sports, with a proven track record of building impactful partnerships, driving revenue growth, and creating innovative marketing solutions for brands. Prior to joining UC Riverside Athletics in 2024, he spent 13 years with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, the Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he held several leadership positions, including Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Assistant General Manager of Sponsorships. During his tenure, he helped lead the organization's sponsorship, marketing and promotional efforts, consistently exceeding revenue goals while maintaining strong long-term relationships with partners.
At UC Riverside, Chris works closely with campus and community stakeholders to develop meaningful partnerships that enhance the student-athlete experience while delivering measurable value for corporate partners. His expertise spans sponsorship sales, business development, brand activation, and strategic marketing.
A Southern California native, Chris earned his Bachelor of Arts in Management and Bachelor of Science in Marketing from La Sierra University and a Master's in Sport Management from California State University, Long Beach. A former NCAA Division III baseball & basketball player, he remains passionate about the role athletics play in developing future leaders both on and off the field.
Chris and his wife, Nicole, reside in Loma Linda with their two children, Rebecca and Alex. Outside of work, Chris enjoys golfing, participating in recreational sports, and spending time with his family on the lake or at Disneyland.
Chris brings more than 15 years of experience in professional and collegiate sports, with a proven track record of building impactful partnerships, driving revenue growth, and creating innovative marketing solutions for brands. Prior to joining UC Riverside Athletics in 2024, he spent 13 years with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, the Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he held several leadership positions, including Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Assistant General Manager of Sponsorships. During his tenure, he helped lead the organization's sponsorship, marketing and promotional efforts, consistently exceeding revenue goals while maintaining strong long-term relationships with partners.
At UC Riverside, Chris works closely with campus and community stakeholders to develop meaningful partnerships that enhance the student-athlete experience while delivering measurable value for corporate partners. His expertise spans sponsorship sales, business development, brand activation, and strategic marketing.
A Southern California native, Chris earned his Bachelor of Arts in Management and Bachelor of Science in Marketing from La Sierra University and a Master's in Sport Management from California State University, Long Beach. A former NCAA Division III baseball & basketball player, he remains passionate about the role athletics play in developing future leaders both on and off the field.
Chris and his wife, Nicole, reside in Loma Linda with their two children, Rebecca and Alex. Outside of work, Chris enjoys golfing, participating in recreational sports, and spending time with his family on the lake or at Disneyland.
Thursday, May 21
Monday, May 04
Friday, May 01
Tuesday, March 24
