DHR Global Leading Director of Athletics Search for Fordham University
October 16, 2024 – Glenn Sugiyama and Dan Guerrero of talent advisory firm DHR Global has been called in by Fordham University to lead in its search for a new director of athletics. Past athletic director Ed Kull recently left the school to take on another role. University president Tania Tetlow appointed a 12-person search committee assigned to choose candidates eligible to become the new director of athletics. “We are recruiting a new director of athletics to play a pivotal role in advancing our athletics program, fostering excellence both on and off the field, and strengthening our commitment to academic success, competitive achievement, and community engagement,” said Ms. Tetlow.
Ms. Tetlow described the individuals selected for the committee as “a diverse group of representatives from the university, all of whom bring valuable perspectives to this process.” To engage more perspectives within the search, she invited the entire Fordham community to aid in the decision making process. In the email, she provided a link to a Google form where the Fordham community can provide their thoughts about what qualities and experiences the university should look for in an athletic director.
“This is an exciting time for Fordham Athletics,” Ms. Tetlow said. “I am confident that our next director of athletics not only will lead us in competition but also reinforce Fordham’s commitment to shaping well-rounded student-athletes who excel academically, embody ethical leadership, and make a lasting impact on the world.”
Reporting to the president and serving as a member of the president’s cabinet, the director of athletics will manage Fordham University’s Division I intercollegiate athletics and recreation program with integrity, while providing innovative, inspiring, creative leadership and further developing and implementing comprehensive programming in this critical area of the university life.
DHR is seeking candidates with a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics leadership. Proven senior leadership experience and a record of success in Division I intercollegiate athletics is needed as well as the demonstrated ability to design and implement a successful comprehensive fundraising program and develop and manage facilities and capital projects.
Fordham University was founded as a Catholic institution in 1841 and was entrusted to the Society of Jesus in 1846. The Fordham Rams are the varsity sports teams for the school. The Fordham Rams are members of NCAA Division I and compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference for most sports
Related: DHR Global Recruits Men’s Head Basketball Coach for University of New Hampshire
Since 1989, DHR Global has been a leading, privately held provider of executive search solutions with more than 50 wholly owned offices spanning the globe. The firm’s consultants specialize in all industries and functions, providing senior-level executive search, management assessment, and succession planning services.
Serving the Sports Sector
DHR’s sports practice is a global specialty for the firm with capabilities on six continents across all sports-related organizations. These range from Fortune 500 companies and professional sports teams to public and private university athletics. The firm has overseen searches for the University of Pittsburgh, Colorado State University, Fresno State University, San Jose State, Kansas, Syracuse, and Quinnipiac University, among others.
DHR Global Recruits Head Baseball Coach for Northwestern University
DHR Global recently assisted in the recruitment of Ben Greenspan as Northwestern University’s new head baseball coach. DHR’s managing partner and global sports practice leader Glenn Sugiyama led the assignment. “After an extensive nationwide search, Ben’s experience and coaching prowess quickly set him apart within the candidate pool,” said Derrick Gragg, vice president for athletics and recreation at Northwestern. “At each of his stops, he has consistently showcased his ability to develop both players and programs. With a proven track record of recruiting top talent and fostering growth, we’re confident Ben will lead our baseball program to new heights.” Mr. Greenspan joins the Wildcats after most recently serving as the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator for the University of Michigan during the 2023 season.
Mr. Sugiyama is managing partner, global sports practice and North American marketing committee member. Since 2004, he has been placing talent in professional sports organizations and for the top academic institutions in the U.S. and around the world, including senior sports executives and head coaches. He is based in Chicago. Mr. Sugiyama’s past searches include the 2006 Stanford football search that landed Jim Harbaugh. He assisted Purdue in hiring former Cardinal Jeff Brohm as its football coach and Florida State University (FSU) in an athletic director search that saw former University of Louisville AD Vince Tyra become a candidate before FSU hired Seminole Boosters CEO Michael Alford.
Mr. Guerrero serves as partner in the sports practice group, based out of the Los Angeles office. As one of the most decorated college athletic directors in history, he brings over 30 years of experience in the sports industry, with extensive experience in D1 athletic programs. Prior to his executive search career, Mr. Guerrero served as the director of athletics at UCLA for 18 years, where his institution won 32 NCAA National Championships in 15 different sports.
Related: DHR Places First General Counsel for Atlantic Coast Conference
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
