MOSCOW, Idaho – University of Idaho Interim Director of Athletics Pete Isakson announced Friday, the addition of two new staff members. Marty Northcroft joins the Vandals as the Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Fan Engagement. Desmond Banks returns to Idaho Athletics as the Associate Director for Development.
 
"The Vandals got better today," Isakson said. "We are thrilled to welcome Marty and Desmond to our team. Both will bring a high level of energy and passion to the University of Idaho. Our fans and supporters will feel their presence immediately."
 
Northcroft brings nearly 20 years of marketing experience in collegiate and professional athletics, including a decade as an assistant athletic director during stints at Virginia and Washington State.
 
"I'm excited to carry on many of the longstanding Vandal traditions and build on the game day experience for our student-athletes, coaches and fans," Northcroft said.
 
Most recently Northcroft spent six years as Washington State's Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing and Promotions. He led a team that helped increase revenue, exposure and brand awareness for the Cougars by creating consistent and compelling content across all platforms and by overseeing the game day productions for football, and men's and women's basketball.
 
In addition to Washington State and Virginia, Northcroft spent time at Oklahoma and with the Seattle Mariners.
 
Northcroft and his wife, TyAnne, live in Pullman with their sons Caleb and Brayden and their daughter Maya.
 
Banks, a former Vandal football student-athlete, will begin Aug. 12. In his role, Banks will secure annual gifts for the Vandal Scholarship Fund and oversee development activities including volunteer management in Southern Idaho.
 
"I want folks throughout southern Idaho to know the Vandals are here," Banks said. "I want to make a meaningful impact for the Athletic Department and the university."
 
Originally from Salt Lake City, Banks excelled for the Vandals athletically and academically, and was an integral part of the 2016 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Championship team. He made the College of Business and Economics Dean's List twice and received his bachelor's degree in business marketing.
 
Following graduation, Banks served in various business development and account executive roles. He brought in new business through prospect cold calling, conducted client needs analysis to discover marketing needs and identified diverse marketing strategies for clients.
 
"Desmond is a welcome addition to our development team," said Mahmood Sheikh, Associate Athletic Director for Development and Executive Director for the Vandal Scholarship Fund. "He understands the importance of engaging people and cultivating relationships, and can convey his own experiences as a student-athlete and how annual contributions can make a difference in the lives of so many."