Butler Athletics has added a pair of veteran leaders to drive the department's development and NIL initiatives. J Locklier will return to the university as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development and Graham Honaker has moved into the role of Associate Athletic Director for Development and NIL Strategy.
 
The two hires were announced by Butler Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker.
 
"Increasing the philanthropic support for our department broadly, and NIL specifically, is critical to our ability to elevate our competitiveness in the BIG EAST, PFL, and national landscape," said Leiendecker. "We are excited to bring J back to Butler to oversee our athletics development efforts; he is a proven relationship builder, fundraiser, and administrator. As a former student-athlete and successful fundraising professional, I have no doubt that J will add tremendous value for our student-athletes, coaches, and supporters."
 
"Graham's fundraising success can be felt in just about every corner of the Butler campus as he has been integral to the current momentum at our university," said Leiendecker. "You'd be hard-pressed to find someone more passionate and dedicated to supporting Butler student-athletes. We are excited for him to take on this role that has him fully integrated into Athletics."
 
Locklier, Honaker and the development staff will prioritize major and annual gifts in support of Butler Athletics through The Bulldog Club, and continuing the successful partnership with All Good Dawgs, the purpose-driven collective established to support Butler student-athletes.
 
Locklier returns to Butler after serving as a major gift officer for university advancement and athletics from 2011-14. During his time at Butler, Locklier solicited support for History, Heart, Hinkle: The Campaign for Hinkle Fieldhouse and the $35 million preservation and renovation of the historic fieldhouse.
 
Locklier has been in the role of Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development at Bradley since 2021. He serves on the athletics senior staff and has oversight of all Bradley Athletics fundraising activities and the Bradley Wheels Club. In addition to his leadership roles at Butler and Bradley, Locklier has also held fundraising positions at Kent State, Cincinnati, West Virginia, and James Madison.
 
Locklier and his wife, Olivia, are both graduates of Butler's MBA program.
 
Honaker's move to Athletics has come after serving Butler University since 2013 in roles within the advancement department. As executive director of principal gifts (since 2018), Honaker worked closely with Athletics and the men's basketball program in particular on major gifts and the campaign to renovate Hinkle Fieldhouse. He also was the lead fundraiser in Butler's successful $250 million Butler Beyond Campaign, which included the $50 million Lacy School of Business and the largest donation in university history - the $25 million gift to name the college of business after Andre B. Lacy. 

Honaker's time at Butler also includes five years as senior director of development. Prior to Butler, Honaker's development experience included his work with the University of Louisville.