Meet the Staff! - St. John's University Athletics

Nick Vendikos '91SVC
Senior Director, Athletic Development
vendikon@stjohns.edu
718-990-6147

Nick is Senior Director of the Office of Athletic Development at St. John’s University. He is responsible for the department’s fundraising activities, including annual, major, leadership, and planned giving, and special events in support of the Office of Athletics’ mission and goals.

Prior to working at St. John’s, Mr. Vendikos was Director of Development for the Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens/Futures in Education. He served on the senior management team of Generations of Faith, a fundraising initiative which raised a total of $130 million—the most successful capital campaign in the diocese's history.

Mr. Vendikos also served as President and CEO of the Cabrini Mission Foundation. As president, he was responsible for guiding development for global institutions.

Alyssa Breunig
Athletics Major Gift Officer
breuniga@stjohns.edu

Alyssa Breunig joined the Red Storm Athletic Development team in August 2024. In her role, she cultivates and maintains relationships with alumni, donors, and stakeholders, aiming to secure major gifts that support the university’s athletic programs and facilities.

Prior to her arrival in Queens, Breunig served as Associate Director of Development, Assistant Athletic Director at Quinnipiac University.

Breunig received her master’s degree from Quinnipiac University in 2024 in Interactive Media and Communications. In 2020, she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Saint Michael’s College, where she was a member of the women’s basketball team.

Frank Shaffer
Athletic Development Officer, Special Events
shafferf@stjohns.edu
718-990-3921

Frank joined St. John’s in September 2023 and is responsible for all athletic fundraising events that benefit the 17 Division I athletic programs at St. John’s University. He assists with additional fundraising initiatives as part of the athletics development team as well. Prior to working at St. John’s, Frank worked at Geneseco Sports Enterprises as an account manager and held multiple roles at Army West Point within the alumni relations and athletic development departments. His duties included fundraiser support, planning and coordinating events, and account management.

Frank also brings an educational background that includes two master's degrees. He earned his master's in business administration and sport administration from Ohio University after completing his bachelor's in business management from Lourdes University, where he competed as a member of the baseball program for four years. Shaffer is originally from Cleveland, Ohio and now resides in Brooklyn with his wife Jamilah, son Malakai, and dog Maverick.