DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Embry-Riddle Athletics Communications will have a different look this season as the department announces two new appointments to the full-time staff as well as welcoming two assistants to the team.

Embry-Riddle has announced the appointment of Clayton Barefield as the new Director of Athletics Communications, with Calan Gizelbach joining the Eagles' staff as Assistant Director of Athletics Communications.

Barefield comes to Daytona Beach after most recently serving as Director of Sports Information and Media Relations at Columbus State University, bringing a wealth of experience in athletic communications. At CSU, he coordinated all public and media relations, produced digital content, and managed day-to-day operations of the communications department. In addition, provided coverage for several Peach Belt Conference and NCAA postseason events.

The Columbus, Ga. native steps into his fifth season as a full-time director in the profession. Barefield began his full-time career as the Director of Sports Information at now Brewton-Parker Christian University, where he spent three seasons elevating the athletic department as the school's first full-time SID.

As for Gizelbach, he will be stepping into his first full-time role in athletic communications after building experience as a social media intern for the Eagles last season. As the Assistant Director of Athletics Communications, Gizelbach will help spearhead the creative content for Embry-Riddle Athletics along with his coverage of the cross country and track and field programs.

Gizelbach, a two-time graduate of the University of Dayton, has built up experience as a graphic designer for the Flyers. In addition, he led the graphic design efforts for GoEmpire Group LLC where he directed the creative vision, planned content, and managed various social media channels.

The duo will be joining established Assistant Director of Athletics Communications, Kyrin Mayfield who has been with Embry-Riddle since 2020. Mayfield has covered the Eagles as a broadcaster in 2020 and an intern in 2021 before being elevated to his Assistant Director post in 2022. He is a graduate of the University of Florida where he began his career with the Gator Student Broadcast Network and WUFT News. Mayfield has helped to elevate ERAU's coverage over the years and has been awarded numerous honors from College Sports Communicators for his efforts.

Together, the athletics communications efforts have been bolstered to increase stability, efficiency, and creativity into the coverage of Embry-Riddle's 20 varsity programs.