Radakovich named FBS AD Association Executive Director

-courtesy of FBS Athletic Directors Association-

CLEVELAND – The FBS Athletics Directors Association (FBS AD Association) announced the appointment of Dan Radakovich, one of the most respected and accomplished leaders in collegiate athletics, as its next Executive Director. Radakovich will assume the role effective August 1, 2026, bringing more than three decades of experience shaping the landscape of college sports at the highest levels.

Radakovich served as athletics director at several major institutions—Georgia Tech, Clemson University, and most recently at the University of Miami—where he built a reputation for strategic vision, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to student-athlete success. Under his leadership, programs achieved national championships, major facility enhancements were realized, and each athletics department saw groundbreaking advancements in governance, compliance, and financial sustainability.

"We are pleased to welcome Dan Radakovich as the new executive director of the FBS Athletics Directors Association," said FBS AD Association Immediate Past President Desireé Reed-Francois. "Dan was one of the country's most decorated, successful and respected athletics directors during his tenures at Georgia Tech, Clemson and most recently Miami."

"We were seeking a leader who knows and values the role of the athletics director as CEO and could provide a trusted voice to navigate our group through the changing landscape of college athletics. Our association will benefit greatly from Dan's leadership and experience."

As executive director, Radakovich will lead the association's efforts to support FBS athletics directors nationwide, strengthen collaboration across conferences and institutions, and advance priorities related to student-athlete well-being, competitive equity, and the evolving collegiate athletics model.

"I am honored to be joining the FBS AD Association as their new executive director," Radakovich said. "Throughout my career, I've valued the mission and vision of the FBS AD Association and I appreciate the opportunity to further its impact and give back to the industry and many colleagues who have treated me so well over the past 35 years."

"This is a challenging time for athletics directors across the country, but our profession continues to adapt and innovate. The FBS AD Association will help us move forward with purpose and integrity to give all our student-athletes the best opportunity for success."

The FBS AD Association represents athletics directors from all 136 Football Bowl Subdivision institutions, serving as a forum for collaboration, leadership development, and advocacy on issues central to the success of college athletics.

"As the outgoing President of the FBS AD Association I am proud that we have achieved 100 percent participation amongst athletics directors. I am confident that incoming President Gene Taylor will continue to motivate and challenge our group to advocate for college athletics within higher education," said Reed-Francois. "I would also like to thank our executive committee – Gene Taylor, Amy Folan, J Batt and Warde Manuel – for assisting with this search and for their hard work on behalf of the FBS AD Association throughout the year."

"We are pleased to welcome Dan as our next Executive Director of the FBS AD Association," said President Gene Taylor. "His three-plus decades of experience as an FBS athletics director will benefit our organization tremendously as we continue to navigate the current landscape of our industry. Dan has had a Hall of Fame career as an athletics director, and I know he will provide great perspective and direction to our association in our efforts to drive change and get results."

About the FBS AD Association: The Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Athletics Directors Association, founded in 1986, represents the athletics directors of the 136 member universities of the FBS, encompassing 42 states, 55,000 student-athletes, and more than 25,000 athletics administrators. Key to the FBS Athletics Directors Association's mission is to bring together FBS athletics directors to advocate and drive results on key issues that focus on the success of student-athletes and the advancement of college athletics.

Congratulations, Dan! Well earned.

Always a Cane!