John Lambert was named Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs in September of 2012 after leading the University at Buffalo Athletics Development effort since 2007. Lambert, who served as Interim Athletic Director for a three month period in 2012, had previously served in the External Affairs role at UB from 1999-2007.

Lambert, who joined the University in 1996, spent 5 very successful years with the Buffalo Bisons, then Triple A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. He has had a highly-decorated career in marketing earning numerous NACMA and SUNY/CUAD awards including being named Division I-A Marketer of the Year by NACMA, the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators in 2001.

In 2003, he was recognized with a Premiere’s Award, presented annually in Canada by the Government of Ontario to college graduates in recognition for outstanding career accomplishments and contributions to the community. 

During his first tenure in External Affairs, Lambert was instrumental in the department¹s move to Division I-A and the Mid-American Conference along with meeting the 1998 and 2006 NCAA football attendance requirement.

Transitioning in 2007 to Athletics Development, Lambert provided leadership to a growing donor base and was instrumental in raising millions of dollars in support of both athletic scholarships and capital initiatives.

In 2009, Lambert created a Bulls Legacy Program in support of endowed scholarships within athletics. Since its inception, this program has secured over $1,000,000 in additional commitments to the overall athletics endowment at Buffalo.

In addition to growing the athletics fund drive campaign, 2010 saw completed fundraising capital projects include the Michael F. Rielly Training Center and the Edward L. Wright Practice Facility. In 2011, the Brinkworth/McNally Football Alumni Team Meeting Room was completed along with a fully renovated $400,000 refurbishment of the Alumni Arena wrestling complex named after UB Athletics Hall of Fame Coach Ed Michael. In 2012, Lambert secured a $1,000,000 gift from the Murchie Family to rename the football center at UB Stadium to The Murchie Family Football Center. This gift was used to create a new entrance and foyer to the football center at the stadium along with other football capital improvement needs.

In his expanded role in External Affairs, Lambert has oversight of Athletics Communications, Corporate Sales, Ticket Sales and Operations, Promotions, Game Presentation, and Community Relations.

A graduate of Niagara College, Canada, Lambert also holds a BS in Business Management from SUNY Empire State College. He is also a graduate of the Sports Management Institute Executive Training Program.

Lambert holds several board positions including The Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame and The Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission Advisory Board. 

Lambert is also an active member of NACMA (National Assocation of Collegiate Marketing Administrators).

Lambert resides in Amherst, NY with his wife Kelly, daughter Lindsey and son Dylan.