Kelly Bowmaster leads the live sports broadcasting arm of JMU Athletics known as JMU Sports Network. He was brought in to manage James Madison’s transition to ESPN+ as part of the move to the Sun Belt Conference. A 2004 JMU graduate from the School of Media Arts & Design, Bowmaster rejoins the JMU family after his most recent work as a freelance professional. His sexy beard and signature top knot make him the perfect person for the job. Bowmaster’s freelance work has included immersive workings with James Madison, William & Mary, the Coastal Athletic Association (when it was Colonial), and the Atlantic 10. He also has studio experience working with various fields like government, corporate, commercial, and news.

Before embarking on his epic decade-long plus run of freelance work, Bowmaster worked at the CAA conference office for six-ish years. There, he helped create and establish the conference’s creative video department covering over 20 conference championships per season.

Bowmaster’s first taste of live production came from his first job out of college at the Charlottesville NewsPlex. Holding titles of master control supervisor and junior engineer, he helped sustain three network stations under one roof, with 72 hours of programming and multiple newscasts every day.

Bowmaster likes good music. Bowmaster doesn’t like diagonal walkers.