Wisconsin Forms Nine-Member Committee to Choose New Athletic Director

On Monday, the University of Wisconsin–Madison disclosed a nine-person search committee charged with selecting the university’s next athletic director. The committee will be chaired by Lauren Bishop, associate professor of social work and faculty athletic representative to the Big Ten and NCAA. Interim Chancellor Eric Wilcots is overseeing the search, which follows the resignation of former athletic director Chris McIntosh, who left to become the Big Ten’s deputy commissioner for strategy. Marcus Sedberry, previously deputy athletic director and chief operating officer, will continue as interim athletic director during the transition.

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Chris McIntosh stepped down in June after serving as athletic director since 2015, moving to a newly created Big Ten deputy commissioner role. Concurrently, Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin will conclude her tenure on Saturday before assuming the presidency of Columbia University on July 1. These leadership changes prompted the formation of a dedicated search committee to ensure continuity and a comprehensive selection process.

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• Chris Ballard – Indianapolis Colts general manager; Badger football alumnus, class of 1993.

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• Michael Finley – Two-time NBA All-Star; played basketball for Wisconsin (1991-95) and served as interim co-general manager of the Dallas Mavericks.

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• Rob Cramer – Vice chancellor for finance and administration, providing university governance expertise.

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• Meghan Duggan – Former Badger hockey player; director of player development for the New Jersey Devils.

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• Elzie Higginbottom – Former Badger track and field athlete; president of East Lake Management & Development Corp.

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• Marija Pientka – Former Badger tennis player; senior associate athletic director for sports administration.

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• Michael Shannon – Co-founder and former chairman/CEO of KSL Capital Partners, bringing private-equity experience.

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• William Smith – Role not detailed in the announcement.

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• Lauren Bishop – Committee chair, associate professor of social work and former collegiate rower at Duke.

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• Monday, June 24, 2024 – Committee announced.

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• Saturday, June 29, 2024 – Eric Wilcots assumes interim chancellor duties as Mnookin departs.

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• July 1, 2024 – Mnookin begins as Columbia University president.

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• Future dates – No specific deadline for appointing a permanent athletic director; CSA Search and Consulting is engaged to assist.

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The nine-member panel includes four former Badger athletes (football, basketball, hockey, tennis), three senior executives from professional sports (NFL, NBA, NHL), two corporate leaders, and one university administrator. Four members have direct experience in collegiate athletics administration (Sedberry, Pientka, Bishop, Cramer).

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The incoming athletic director will oversee a budget exceeding $300 million, manage roughly 30 varsity teams, and ensure compliance with NCAA and Big Ten regulations. Leadership choices will influence strategic priorities such as facility upgrades, revenue generation, and student-athlete welfare. The presence of external sports executives suggests an interest in innovative management practices.

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The university’s press release emphasized that the search will be “thorough and inclusive,” noting that CSA Search and Consulting will provide professional assistance. It highlighted the committee’s diverse expertise and its commitment to identifying a leader who will advance the athletic department’s mission.

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No public criticism or opposition to the committee’s composition has been reported in the available sources.

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The announcement does not specify a target date for appointing the permanent athletic director, nor does it outline the evaluation criteria or the balance between internal and external candidates. William Smith’s professional affiliation remains undisclosed, leaving a gap in understanding his role on the committee.

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