On Thursday, Maryland has chosen former Atlanta Braves ruler James E. Smith as its new athletic director.
Smith has been the senior vice president of Braves’ business strategy for the last five years.
Smith has previously served as President and CEO of Ohio State University Alumni Association.
“We are proud of the athletics tradition at the University of Maryland and the success of our coaches and student athletes representing red, black, white and gold,” Maryland President Darryl J. Pines said in a statement. He said. “As College Athletics develops rapidly, Jim brings valuable administrative and work experience, as well as the energy, vision and passion of taking our athletics program to new success and impact levels.”
The background of Smith also includes a number of executive positions in Arthur M. Blank Sports & Entertainment, where NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS Club Atlanta United are responsible for revenue and marketing.
“It is a great honor to lead the athletics department of Maryland at the University of Maryland and to be elected to direct UMD’s storey programs to the next age.” He said. He continued: “Student athlete health, welfare and academic success focusing sharply, to build on perfection and intercollegiet athletics for a dynamic and important time to take the future.”
Smith replaced Damon Evans, who left in March to get the same position in SMU. Evans has been the athletic director of Maryland since 2018.
-FELD level media
