Katie Ristow

Title: Associate Vice President - Brand

Katie Ristow joined the Big 12 Conference in December of 2022 as Senior Director - Brand and was elevated to Associate Vice President - Brand in 2024. Ristow oversees, develops and deploys various marketing initiatives and branding efforts to achieve long and short-term goals. She works closely with the Chief Marketing Officer and external agencies to set the overall marketing strategy, elevate the Big 12’s brand, captivate new and diverse audiences, deliver best-in-class experiences and drive revenue.

Prior to joining the Big 12 Conference staff, Ristow served as Senior Director of Creative Design and Services at the American Athletic Conference. At The American, Ristow managed the Conference's branding, graphic identity and visual representation and protection across a variety of platforms, including print, digital and social media, as well as on-site presentations at conference championship events and media days. She joined the league in December 2018 and was elevated to Senior Director in 2022. 
 
She joined The American after spending the previous four years at Pepperdine University as the Waves' Director of Marketing. Ristow served as the primary graphic designer for Pepperdine Athletics and was the overseer of the Waves' branding projects to ensure consistent visual messaging for the department. She developed and executed strategies for the Waves' social media platforms and implemented and executed marketing plans for 10 Pepperdine programs.

Ristow also served as Assistant Marketing Director at Florida International University after spending a year as the Panthers' graduate assistant.

Ristow earned an undergraduate degree in sports and recreation management from Franklin Pierce University. Ristow was a four-year starter on the Ravens' women’s volleyball team, where she also served as SAAC President. She added a master's degree in recreation and sport management from Florida International University.