Packed House Sports from College Park, MD — May 15, 2025
The University of Maryland has announced the hiring of Jim Smith, a seasoned sports executive with a diverse and accomplished background, as its new Barry P. Gossett Athletic Director. Smith most recently served as the Senior Vice President of Business Strategy for Major League Baseball’s Atlanta Braves, where he played a key role in driving growth and innovation for one of the league’s most successful franchises.
This strategic move signals Maryland’s commitment to strengthening its athletic programs and enhancing its position within the Big Ten Conference, home to some of the most competitive and high-profile collegiate sports in the nation.
A Career Rooted in Sports Leadership
Jim Smith brings over 20 years of experience in sports business and operations. Before joining the Braves, Smith held executive roles with the Atlanta Falcons, where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer, overseeing brand strategy, fan engagement, and revenue growth.
Smith also has significant experience in the college athletics landscape. He was previously the President and CEO of the Ohio State University Alumni Association, where he led engagement strategies and fostered relationships with one of the largest alumni bases in the country. His cross-sector experience in both professional and collegiate sports makes him uniquely suited to lead Maryland’s dynamic athletics department.
Taking the Helm at Maryland
At Maryland, Smith will oversee more than 250 full-time staff members and 550 student-athletes across 20 varsity sports programs. His primary goals will likely include:
- Enhancing student-athlete support and experience
- Boosting revenue and donor engagement
- Strengthening Maryland’s brand visibility
- Navigating NCAA compliance and future conference realignments
He steps into the role following the departure of Damon Evans, who left in March to become the Athletic Director at Southern Methodist University (SMU).
Why This Move Matters
Smith’s appointment comes at a critical time in college athletics. With ongoing changes in NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) policy, media rights deals, and student-athlete welfare issues, having a leader with both professional sports acumen and collegiate familiarity is an asset. Maryland is betting that Smith’s experience across business strategy, fan engagement, and athletic administration will provide a fresh, forward-thinking approach to managing its programs.
His ability to bridge business and athletics could be vital as Maryland looks to compete not only on the field, but in the boardroom—where the future of college sports is increasingly being shaped.
Looking Ahead
With Jim Smith at the helm, the University of Maryland enters a new chapter focused on growth, innovation, and competitiveness. His blend of leadership across both pro sports and college athletics positions him to drive long-term success in College Park, for both the Terrapins and their broader community of supporters.
Stay tuned as Smith officially begins his tenure and outlines his vision for the future of Maryland Athletics.