Morris Communications today named Brian Graham director of events overseeing the National Barrel Horse Organization (NBHA), Augusta Futurity, and the Morris-owned Hippodrome facility.  Graham will take over these and other responsibilities for vice president Pete May as he moves into retirement over the next year.

“Brian’s business management and event experience, and more important, his passion for sports will be a great addition to Morris,” said William S. Morris IV, CEO of Morris Communications.  “We’re thrilled to have him on board.”

Graham is the former executive director of the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) and was responsible for growing what was once a relatively unknown sport into one that is now played by millions and recognized as one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

“I had never entertained the idea of retirement until Brian Graham was identified as my replacement,” said May. “I see in Brian all the skills and personality characteristics necessary to continue and improve the many projects and enterprises I have helped lead.  I cannot wait to see what Brian accomplishes in his years to come with Morris.  Go get ‘em, Brian!”

Graham spent 22 years in engineering and land development before changing careers in 2007 to follow his passion of sports events and business management.  As a 10-year veteran in this space, he managed over 36 world and national championship events, created and served as publisher of DiscGolfer Magazine and led strategic alliances to create Beach Sports Network and the Emerging Sports Network, securing national cable television coverage for multiple sporting events around the country.

“I am genuinely excited to be joining the corporate staff at Morris Communications Company. It will be my supreme honor and pleasure to work for the Morris family in continuing the success of their businesses, and complementing and supporting their many positive contributions to our community,” said Graham.

Graham serves on advisory boards for United States Sports Congress and the Augusta Sports Council.  He has appeared as an expert panelist at the U.S. Sports Congress and the SPORTS Relationship Conference. In 2014, Graham was honored by Covey Communications and SportsEvents Magazine with an Éclat Award for brilliant performance in the sports industry and was named by Sports Planning Guide Magazine as one of 10 events rights holders to watch in the sports industry in 2016.

Tweet: Brian Graham named Director of Events at Morris Communications. @morriscommco