Built to Serve
From ticket sales to major gifts, three dedicated staff members have grown into new roles advancing the 12th Man Foundation's mission
By Katelyn Buys ’14
At the 12th Man Foundation, professional growth is rooted in trust, respect and a shared commitment to service.
For J.T. Payne, Jax Kendrick and John Hendricks, that commitment began on the front lines as members of the ticket sales team — answering phones, fielding questions and connecting with Aggie supporters across the country.
Now, as members of the major gifts department led by Senior Vice President Brady Bullard, they help donors make a lasting impact on Texas A&M Athletics by securing resources that empower Aggie student-athletes to succeed on and off the field.
“Brady has created an environment where we're encouraged to learn, grow and build authentic connections,” John said. “That's what drives us — finding ways to make a difference for our donors and our student-athletes.”
DIFFERENT PATHS, SAME PURPOSE
Though their journeys to Aggieland were different, they share one purpose: to serve.
John, originally from Tennessee, discovered his passion for college athletics while working for the Tennessee Fund as a student, where he saw firsthand how donor support fuels student-athlete success.
"Once I got a taste of helping create experiences for fans and student-athletes, I knew that's what I wanted to do," John said. "Coming to Texas A&M, where tradition and passion run so deep, was the perfect fit."
Jax took a more unconventional path. After earning his master's degree, he began power washing Kyle Field for Texas A&M Athletics' facilities and operations department.
“They're driven, ambitious and eager to serve the 12th Man Foundation and Texas A&M Athletics at the highest level.”
"I cleaned the stadium for three months," he said with a laugh. "If they liked me enough, I got to stay."
That same work ethic and people-first mindset soon led him to the 12th Man Foundation.
"There's no better job than talking to Aggies all day and seeing the impact they're making," he said.
J.T., a first-generation college graduate from Poteet, Texas, found his calling while working as an athletic training manager for Texas A&M Football. A connection with Justin Morgan, now assistant vice president of ticket sales & development, opened the door to the 12th Man Foundation.
"When I got the call to come back to A&M while I was working in Tulsa, it was a no-brainer," J.T. said.
Four years later, he calls joining the 12th Man Foundation "the best decision I've ever made."
From ticket sales to major gifts, John, Jax and J.T.'s growth mirrors the 12th Man Foundation itself — built on relationships, strengthened by service and united by a common purpose.
THE POWER OF PEOPLE
Ask any of them what inspires them most, and the answer comes easily: the people.
"Our donors are the heartbeat of this organization," J.T. said. "Every person I meet has a unique story about what A&M means to them. Being able to connect those stories to opportunities that impact student-athletes is what makes this job special."
For Jax, those connections go beyond transactions.
"Donor relationships are strongest when you're there for them as people first," he said. "Learning about their families, their time at A&M and what drives them to give, that's what builds trust and lifelong bonds."
John agrees.
"Coming from outside Texas, I was amazed by how deeply rooted A&M's traditions are," he said. "Helping donors see the difference they're making — that's what it's all about."
MOMENTS THAT LAST
Each of them carries favorite memories that remind them why they do what they do.
For John, it's watching Seth Small's game-winning kick against No. 1 Alabama at Kyle Field. "Seeing the field flood with fans was priceless," he said.
J.T. smiles when he remembers the 2018 seven-overtime win over LSU — his mom's first Aggie game. "She still has a little shrine in her house with our tickets and photos from that night," he said. "That's when I knew I wanted to work in sports."
For Jax, it was bringing his three-month-old son, Teddy, to his first Aggie game. "Showing him the magic of Kyle Field was surreal," he said. "It reminded me that everything we do here is about serving the next generation and making Texas A&M the best it can be."
LOOKING AHEAD
While J.T., Jax and John each have their own stories, their shared mission is clear: channeling the passion of Aggies into support for student-athletes and the priorities of Texas A&M Athletics.
“They're driven, ambitious and eager to serve the 12th Man Foundation and Texas A&M Athletics at the highest level,” Bullard said. “I'm excited to watch them grow in their roles and leave a lasting impact on Texas A&M. The story of their achievements is still being written, and it's one I can't wait to see unfold.”