Heather Brown, who served the OVC as its Director of Communications for 20 years, lost her 16-month battle with cancer on Tuesday. She was 42 years old.
In the 76-year history of the Conference, no full-time staff member has ever worked at the OVC office longer than Brown.
She began her association with the OVC with a 10-month internship before being hired as Assistant Director for Media Relations; she was promoted to Director of Media Relations in 2006. In August 2016 her title changed to Director of Communications to better reflect the changing job responsibilities associated with collegiate athletics.
"Heather’s love for the OVC and its student-athletes was evident in her outstanding work and many contributions to the league," said OVC Commissioner Beth DeBauche. "She was a beloved staff member with a caring heart who will be dearly missed by her OVC family."
Among her legacy at the OVC was assisting with the communications efforts of NCAA Championships the conference hosted, including the 2005, 2012 and 2018 men’s basketball events in Nashville, as well as the 2014 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four.
Brown, a native of West Liberty Ohio, was a 2003 graduate of Bowling Green State University.
Cards for Heather's family can be sent to the OVC office:
Ohio Valley Conference
Attn: Heather Brown
215 Centerview Drive, Suite 115
Brentwood, TN 37027
In lieu of flowers, her family encourages donations in Heather's name to either the
Susan G. Komen Fund or
St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.