LAKE CHARLES – McNeese's Corporate Sponsorship Team is under the new direction of General Manager Clerc (pronounced Clair) Bertrand who has been a proud member of the Lake Charles community.
 
"We are excited to welcome Clerc Bertrand to the McNeese-Learfield Sponsorship Team," said McNeese President Dr. Daryl Burckel. "I am looking forward to her leadership and engagement with our business community as we grow the McNeese Cowboy brand."
 
Bertrand, a native of Anacoco, Louisiana and former Southland Conference athlete, graduated from Lamar University in 2008. Her husband, Andre, is a former McNeese track athlete while her two brothers, Johnathan and Win Koenck both ran track for the Cowboys in the late 2000s.
 
She and her husband have a 2-year old son, Liam.
 
Prior to joining Rowdy Sports Properties, Bertrand spent over a decade in sales with Brooks Running and Specialized Bicycles, assisting the growth of businesses across the country.
 
"We're excited about the addition of Clerc to lead our corporate sponsorship office," said Director of Athletics Bruce Hemphill. "She and Bailey have ties to Southwest Louisiana and there's no doubt they will be outstanding community contributors for McNeese and Southwest Louisiana."
 
Joining Bertrand in McNeese's Corporate Sponsorship office is Bailey Spiers, who is continuing in his first year as the Manager of Business Development for Rowdy Sports Properties.
 
A Lincoln, Nebraska native, and a member of the McNeese family since February of 2019, Spiers works with local, regional and national partners to promote their brands through marketing partnerships with McNeese State University.
 
Prior to arriving in Lake Charles, which has allowed him to reconnect with family living in the area, Spiers spent two years as the Coordinator of Partnership Services for Panther Sports Properties at the University of Northern Iowa. He also worked for the Husker IMG Sports Marketing firm as a Property Assistant in corporate partnerships while completing his degree at Nebraska, which he achieved in 2017 with a bachelor of arts degree.
 
"We couldn't be more excited for the energy and vision that this new staff is bringing to our corporate sponsorship sales. They have a ton of new ideas, and seem to seamlessly fit into our athletic staff as if they have been here for years. I can't wait to see them connect with our local businesses and the loyal supporters of McNeese athletics," said McNeese Associate AD, Tanner Stines, who will be the staff's day-to-day contact within the athletic department.