under the direction of a new athletics director Dan Bartholomaeannounced by the Western Michigan University Track and Field Team New organizational structure, multiple staff promotions and appointment of sports administrators to support the ongoing development of the physical education sector’s strategic plan, continued growth in Athletics’ key management areas, and more than 370 Bronco employees Directly supports the comprehensive development of the students of the Athletes.
New organizational structure features eight executive leadership staff with defined areas of oversight to increase operational efficiency, improve cross-departmental collaboration and assign accountability for execution of departmental priorities .
The structure will also allow for a six-person sports management team, intended to provide direct administrative support to all Bronco head coaches and sports programs.
“I am delighted to officially announce this important organizational effort aimed at strengthening our sector and better supporting student-athletes as we look to the future of intercollegiate athletics. . Leveraging the feedback we receive directly from our SWOT surveys and gap/organizational analyses, we believe we have assembled a talented team of professionals to serve the three most important groups of people. Universities/external partners; and physical education coaches/staff. ”
In addition to Bartholomae, who remains the football program’s sports administrator, the executive team includes the following new recruits:
Elaine RussellSenior Associate Athletics Director, External Operations
Russell returned to western Michigan in April after spending eight years in Buffalo, a fellow MAC school. Russell serves as Senior External Operations He Associate He Athletic Director and oversees a variety of areas including ticketing, marketing, communications, branding and sponsorships. Russell will also support the department’s NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) initiative in the area of student-athlete digital branded resources and related content. She is also a sports administrator for volleyball, men’s basketball and softball. She also supports band, cheer and dance programs as a sports administrator.
Julian JonesSenior Associate Athletic Director, Broncos Empowered and Championship Culture
Jones first joined the Bronco family in early August as Senior Associate Athletic Director of Broncos Empowered and Championship Culture. As the leader of the Broncos Empowered Program, Jones will strengthen community partnerships and manage the professional development of staff and coaches in the sports department, while also helping WMU Athletics lead the country in the overall development of student-athletes. spearhead initiatives that support the goals of Jones’ role also includes managing the WMU Athletics “W” Club and conducting educational initiatives for student-athletes and the community surrounding NIL. He will also be responsible for sports administration duties for women’s soccer and will share duties for women’s cross-country and athletics.
Lorne RobertsonSenior Associate Athletic Director, Administration, Academic, Compliance
Robertson also arrived in Kalamazoo in early August as Senior Associate Athletic Director of Administration, Academics and Compliance. In the department, Robertson oversees the Academic Support Services Unit for 370 Student-Athletes, and in the Department, he also oversees NCAA governance and compliance efforts. His duties include leadership of the sports administration team of Western Michigan, where he will also lead the further development of NIL policies and programs. Robertson will also be responsible for sports management for men’s soccer, men’s tennis and baseball.
In addition to these new hires, other executive team members include:
Keena SmithSenior Associate Athletic Director, Senior Women’s Administrator
Smith has been a member of the WMU Athletics since August 2018, serving as Senior Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women’s Administrator for the division. Smith oversees the Athletics Division’s facilities and event management units, while also leading key division initiatives such as the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. Smith leads the physical education department’s strategic planning process and assists in future physical education facility master plans. She will be responsible for sports administration duties for women’s basketball and gymnastics, and will share duties for women’s cross-country and track and field.
Elizabeth NippsAssociate Athletics Director, Business Operations/CFO
Knips has been a member of the Athletic Division since June 2016. She is responsible for all business and financial operations for the division, including business operations, budget control, IT and equipment services. She also serves as the liaison with WMU’s Human Resources Department. She serves as sports administrator for women’s tennis and women’s golf.
Finally, Bartholomae announced the following two promotions and new members of the Executive Leadership Team.
Brian BauerAssociate Athletic Director of Medical Services
Bauer has been a member of the Athletic Training Staff since 2002 and was recently promoted to Associate Athletic Director of Medical Services in July. In his new role, he will oversee several student-athlete support functions including athletic training, strength and conditioning, mental health services, and nutrition. He also serves as the sports administrator for the hockey he program.
Jim CulhaneSenior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Director of Athletic Advancement
Culhane was recently promoted to Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Director of Athletic Advancement. Culhane has been part of the Bronco Athletic family since he was a hockey student-athlete. Reporting through University Advancement, his primary role is to oversee all fundraising efforts for the department, including major endowments and he the Bronco Athletic Fund. He also serves as the department’s liaison to the College Placement and Alumni team.
“This new structure is just one step towards developing a clear strategic plan for Athletics. We look forward to working with you on several new initiatives, including a bold and comprehensive track and field facility masterplan. Further development of the Broncos Empowered Program. Advocate for an exercise program that competes at the highest level of MAC/NCHC. High quality community and donor engagement. Innovative and aggressive new revenue-generating initiatives. A robust NIL program for student-athletes. Create a welcoming and inclusive professional environment for student-athletes and staff. ”
Bartholomae also announced the following additional departmental staff promotions:
Anthony DiCarloBronco Productions Assistant Athletic Director
DiCarlo was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director at Bronco Productions in June. DiCarlo will oversee Bronco Productions and the creative team responsible for all digital content created for the department. He is also responsible for all phases of hosted ESPN 3/+ productions for the division.
Adam BodnerDirector, Athletic Communications
Another member of the Athletic Department, Bodnar is the Bronco hockey team’s Associate Director and principal media representative. In July, Bodner was promoted to Director of Athletic Strategic Communications, making him the primary media contact for the Bronco football team.
Ellis PerryAssistant Athletic Director for Promotion
Perry has been promoted to Assistant Athletic Director of Advancement. Her responsibilities include managing all Bronco football suite sales, developing key donors and stakeholders, and other strategic fundraising initiatives. She also champions her WMU Athletics role in the university’s annual Giving Day.
Jared WillisAssistant Athletic Director, Bronco Athletic Fund,
Willis has been promoted to Assistant Athletic Director of the Bronco Athletic Fund. He is responsible for all Annual Fund initiatives, including donations to priority seating in football, basketball and hockey.
Daniel WalenAssistant Director of Medical Services.
Warren has been promoted to Assistant Director of Medical Services. While Warren is primarily involved in men’s and women’s football, Zelley also supervises his athletic training facility. He is also an adjunct professor in a graduate athletic training program.
“We recognize the important efforts of our staff and thank them for their talent, drive and passion for WMU Athletics,” said Bartholomae. “All of these individuals play a key role in prioritizing the student and athlete experience at WMU and are considered leaders in their respective fields..”