Tommy Shores was announced as the department's new Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Revenue, Philanthropy and Partnerships, in August of 2026.
Shores leads LR's efforts to expand athletics revenue generation in conjunction with the rollout of the athletic department's new five-year strategic plan. He will oversee a new model which focuses on the Bears Club as the foundational base, corporate partnerships and hospitality, sport-specific giving, NIL opportunities, and major gifts.
Shores also assists LR athletics with strategic planning, fundraising initiatives and special projects. Additionally, he will work with Lenoir-Rhyne's external NIL Collective to maximize fundraising activities, strengthen community engagement and support continued growth.
Born and raised Hickory, Shores joined Lenoir-Rhyne after a highly successful career in the furniture industry, which spanned more than thirty years.
His grandfather, Robert Merritt "Pat" Shores, served as the Athletic Director at Lenoir-Rhyne in from 1937-42 before leaving to serve the United States Navy in World War II.
Shores serves on the Board at the Asheville School and is a former board member of the Hickory Foundation YMCA.
Tommy Shores and his wife, Rachael LeClair, live in Hickory where they have raised two daughters, Maly and Audrey and one son, Peter.
