Under the direction of new Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae, the Western Michigan University Athletics Department has announced a new organizational structure, several staff title promotions and a number of sport administrator appointments to support the ongoing development of the Athletic Department's strategic plan, continued growth in key administrative areas of athletics, and to directly support the holistic development of more than 370 Bronco student-athletes.
The new organizational structure features an executive leadership staff of eight, with defined oversight areas in order to increase operational efficiency, improve upon collaboration across departmental units and assign accountability for the execution of departmental priorities.
The structure also allows for a sport administration team of 6, intended to provide direct administrative support to all Bronco Head Coaches and athletic programs.
"I am excited to officially announce this important organizational effort, aimed at strengthening our department and better supporting our student-athletes as we look towards the future of intercollegiate athletics. Utilizing feedback I received directly from our SWOT Survey and our Gap/Organizational Analysis, I believe we have assembled a talented team of professionals to serve our three most important groups of people: Student-Athletes; University/External Partners; and Athletic Department Coaches/Staff."
In addition to Bartholomae, who will continue to serve as sport administrator to the football program, the executive team includes the following new hires:
Elaine Russell, Senior Associate Athletics Director, External Operations
Russell returned to Western Michigan in April after spending the last 8 years at fellow MAC school, Buffalo. Russell will serve as the Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations and will oversee a number of areas including tickets, marketing, communications, branding, and sponsorships. Russell will also assist with the department's NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) initiatives in the areas of student-athlete digital brand resources and associated content. She will also be the sport administrator for Volleyball, Men's Basketball, and Softball. She will also support the Band, Cheer and Dance programs as sport administrator.
Julian Jones, Senior Associate Athletics Director, Broncos Empowered and Championship Culture
Jones joined the Bronco family in early August as the first-ever Senior Associate Athletic Director for Broncos Empowered and Championship Culture. As the leader of the Broncos Empowered program, Jones will spearhead initiatives that support WMU Athletics' goal to lead the country in the holistic development of its student-athletes, while strengthening community partnerships and managing the professional development of athletic department staff and coaches. Jones' role also includes managing the WMU Athletics "W" Club and implementing educational initiatives for student-athletes and the community surrounding NIL. He will also have sport administration duties for Women's Soccer and will share duties for Women's Cross Country & Track and Field.
Lorne Robertson, Senior Associate Athletics Director, Administration, Academics and Compliance
Robertson also arrived in Kalamazoo in early August as the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Administration, Academics and Compliance. Robertson will oversee the Academic Support Services Unit for the department's 370 student-athletes and will also oversee the department's NCAA Governance and Compliance efforts. His duties will include providing leadership over the Sports Administration team and he will also lead the further development of Western Michigan's NIL policy and program. Robertson will also have sport administration duties for Men's Soccer, Men's Tennis and Baseball.
In addition to these new hires, other executive leadership team members include:
Keanah Smith, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations and Senior Women's Administrator
Smith has been a member of WMU Athletics since August of 2018 and serves the department as Senior Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women's Administrator. Smith oversees the athletics department facility and event management units, while also leading key department initiatives such as the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. Smith will guide the Athletic Department's strategic planning process and will assist with the upcoming Athletics Facility Master Plan. She will have sport administration duties for Women's Basketball, Gymnastics and will share duties for Women's Cross Country & Track and Field.
Elizabeth Knips, Associate Athletics Director, Business Operations/CFO
Knips has been a member of the athletic department since June of 2016. She is responsible for all business and financial operations for the department, which include business operations, budget management, IT and equipment services. She also serves as the liaison to WMU's Office of Human Resources. She will serve as sport 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 Bauer, Associate Athletic Director for Medical Services
Bauer has been a member of the athletic training staff since 2002, and was recently promoted to Associate Athletic Director for 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 will also serve as sport administrator for the hockey program.
Jim Culhane, Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Director of Athletic Advancement
Culhane has recently been promoted to Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Director of Athletic Advancement. Culhane has been a part of the Bronco athletic family since his time as a Bronco hockey student-athlete. Reporting through University Advancement, his primary role is to oversee all fundraising efforts for the department, including major gifts and the Bronco Athletic Fund. He also serves as the liaison for the department to the University Advancement and Alumni Association teams.
" This new structure is just one step towards developing a clear strategic plan for Athletics. We look forward to working together on several new initiatives, which will include a bold and comprehensive Athletics Facility Master Plan; the further Development of the Broncos Empowered Program; championing athletic programs that compete at the highest levels of the MAC/NCHC; high quality community and donor engagement; innovative and aggressive new revenue generation efforts; a robust NIL program for student-athletes; and creating a welcoming and inclusive professional environment for student-athletes and staff."
Bartholomae has also announced the following additional departmental staff promotions:
Anthony DiCarlo, Assistant Athletics Director, Bronco Productions
Dicarlo was promoted in June to Assistant Athletics Director of Bronco Productions. DiCarlo will oversee the Bronco Productions and creative team which is responsible for all the digital content generated for the department. He is also responsible for all phases of ESPN 3/+ productions hosted for the department.
Adam Bodnar, Director, Athletic Communications
Another long-time member of the athletic department, Bodnar has been the associate director and primary media contact for the Bronco Hockey team. In July, Bodnar was promoted to Director of Athletic Strategic Communications and will be the primary media contact for the Bronco Football team.
Elyse Perry, Assistant Athletic Director for Advancement
Perry has been promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Advancement. Her duties include the management of all suite sales for Bronco Football, cultivating key donors and stakeholders and other strategic fundraising initiatives. She also champions WMU Athletics' role in the University's annual Giving Day.
Jared Willis, Assistant Athletic Director of the Bronco Athletic Fund,
Willis was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director of the Bronco Athletic Fund. He will be responsible for all annual fund initiatives including priority seat contributions at football, basketball, and hockey.
Daniel Walen, Assistant Director, Medical Services.
Walen was promoted to assistant director of medical services. Walen primarily works with men and women's soccer while also supervising the Seelye Athletic Training facility. He is also an adjunct professor in the graduate athletic training program.
"We are glad to recognize the important efforts of our staff and appreciate their talent, drive and passion for WMU Athletics," Bartholomae said. "These individuals all play a significant role in prioritizing the student-athlete experience at WMU and are seen as leaders in their respective fields."
