Director of athletics search committee named

A 14-member search committee has been named to help select the next University of Maine director of athletics, according to Dr. Robert Dana, UMaine vice president for student life and dean of students.

Dana, who chairs the committee, says the national search will be aided by a search firm and will begin as soon as the consultant is engaged. The search committee will make its recommendation to incoming President Joan Ferrini-Mundy, who joins the UMaine community July 1.

The director of athletics plans, administers and directs UMaine’s NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletic programs for men and women, and ensures that all athletics programs are in compliance with NCAA rules, regulations and policies, and that all programs and initiatives are integrated and effective in supporting UMaine’s mission.

The athletics director also participates in institutional planning and decision making as a member of the President’s Cabinet, and represents the university on various institutional committees and initiatives, as well as externally to the media, prospective student-athletics and their parents, prospective funding agencies and private donors, national athletic regulatory and governance bodies, UMaine alumni and the public.

The search committee members are: Scott Atherley, head women’s soccer coach; Lynn Coutts, senior associate director of athletics; Dr. Sandra De Urioste-Stone, assistant professor of nature-based tourism; Dr. Niclas Erhardt, interim dean of the Maine Business School and NCAA faculty athletics representative; Vincent Eze, men’s basketball student-athlete; Red Gendron, head men’s ice hockey coach; Paul Hannigan, athletics supporter and president/owner Bee Line Cable; Tyson McHatten, assistant athletic director for communication; Ann Maxim, director of academic support for student athletes; JoJo Oliphant, UMaine Alumni Association, former football player and local business owner; Dr. Kenda Scheele, assistant vice president and senior associate dean of students; Mike Scott, director of ASAP Media Services and past president of Faculty Senate; Amy Vachon, head women’s basketball coach; Seth Woodcock, senior associate athletic director for development.

Vice president for human resources Chris Lindstrom is an ex-officio member of the committee. Human resources partner Brian Drisko serves as staff to the committee.