UCF Turns To Parker Executive Search to Tap Athletics Director

November 3, 2015 – Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has been retained by the University of Central Florida Athletics Association to lead its search for a new director of athletics.

“The process is moving very quickly, and we are pleased with where we are,” said UCF vice president for communications and marketing Grant Heston. “Athletic director candidates are going to want to know if they have to hire a new coach or not. Having that clarity now helps us in that search.”

Former UCF head football coach George O’Leary announced his retirement last week after 12 seasons with the university.

“We’re excited about bringing in the most qualified vice president and director of athletics, and having that person being an integral part of the coaching search,” said Mr. Heston.

The University of Central Florida is a metropolitan public research university located in Orlando. The school is a member institution of the State University System of Florida, and is the largest university in the U.S. by undergraduate enrollment and the country’s second largest by total enrollment.

Parker Search Executive has helped the University of Central Florida fill other positions. Three years ago, the school hired former UCF athletic director Todd Stansbury with the help of the firm. Earlier this year, the firm helped find UCF Foundation CEO Michael Morsberger and the dean of UCF’s College of Nursing Mary, Lou Sole.

Parker Executive Search conducts executive searches for corporations, colleges and universities, and collegiate athletics. The firm’s sports practice represents clients conducting searches for positions ranging from president/CEO, EVP/SVP/general manager, executive director, conference commissioner, athletic director, head coach, and assistant coach, among others.

Contributed by Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor, Hunt Scanlon Media