Nebraska Athletics Event Management & Operations

Matt Davidson – Associate AD for Event Management & Operations

Matt has been with the Nebraska Event Management and Operations office since 2009, where he started as the Director of Events.  In July of 2019, Matt was promoted to his current position as Associate AD for Event Management and Operations. Matt is responsible for the supervision of all aspects of athletic events hosted at the University of Nebraska and works closely with outside agencies to ensure the safety and security of all people in attendance. Matt and his wife Terra have three children who keep them busy with sports practices, recitals, and weekend camping trips.

Tim Henrichs – Director of Event Management

Tim joined Nebraska Athletics full-time staff in May 2014 as an Event Management Specialist. In 2016, he got promoted to Assistant Director of Athletic Events and in 2022 he was named Director of Event Management.  Tim is the game administrator for women’s soccer, wrestling, and baseball.  He is also the Athletics’ Branch Director on football game day. Tim and his wife Lonna have one son, Hunter, who keeps their lives interesting at all times.   

Derek Bond – Director of Championships & Security Operations

Derek is the longest tenured employee within the Nebraska Event Management office.  He started as an undergraduate student worker in the Fall of 2006 and has been with the department ever since.  Previously an Assistant Director of Athletic Events, Derek now serves as the Director of Championships and Security Operations and is the game administrator for volleyball and women’s basketball.  Derek also oversees 11 full-time Guest Relations employees.  In his free time, Derek enjoys watching every sport imaginable and playing video games. 

Payton Buckmaster – Assistant Director of Event Management

Payton joined the department in July 2017 as an intern and was promoted to full-time status in June of 2019.  In his current position as Assistant Director of Event Management, Payton is the game administrator for track & field, men’s & women’s tennis, and swimming & diving.  On football game days, Payton is the Visiting Team Liaison where he coordinates all of their logistics.  Some of Payton’s hobbies include golfing, fishing, and playing card games with friends.

Hank Neal – Event Management Specialist

Hank joined the Nebraska Athletic Department as a marketing intern in July of 2017 and then transitioned to the events department as a graduate assistant in July of 2018. He moved into his current role as an event management specialist in April of 2021. Hank oversees game operations and event management of soccer, track and field and both men's and women's gymnastics. He also assists with NSAA events, as well as Nebraska football, volleyball and baseball.