Northwestern University Athletics
Gragg Announces Leadership Promotions
8/12/2022 11:40:00 AM | General
EVANSTON, Illinois -- Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Dr. Derrick Gragg today announced staff promotions for numerous members of the department's leadership cabinet.
Tyler Jones has been elevated to Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director for Revenue Generation and Strategic Initiatives and will serve on the executive leadership team. Kristina Minor has been promoted to Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance & Regulatory Affairs. Rachel Vélez rises to Associate Athletics Director for Human Resources and Matt Smith has been promoted to Assistant Athletics Director for Development.
"These exceptional staff members have contributed at an extraordinary level and have made a meaningful impact in their respective areas, and I am thrilled to recognize them for their investment in our student-athletes, coaches and staff," Gragg said.
Tyler Jones, who joined the Wildcats in the fall of 2021, will now lead all external affairs and revenue generation strategies for the department, including marketing, ticketing, communications, broadcast operations, trademark and licensing, creative services, corporate partnerships, and merchandise and apparel, while serving as the primary sport administrator for the men's basketball and men's soccer programs.
Kristina Minor will maintain administrative oversight of the athletics compliance office and manage initiatives that promote an institutional culture of integrity and compliance. In addition, she now will collaborate with Northwestern's Office of Government Relations, Office of General Counsel, and University Compliance to coordinate risk management and integrity initiatives and implement policies and procedures to facilitate compliance with federal, state, and institutional laws and regulations. She will develop a strategy and facilitate the workings of the Wildcats Name, Image & Likeness program in collaboration with external affairs and other campus units and serve as the primary sport administrator for both men's and women's tennis.
Acknowledged for her efforts in leading day-to-day operations for the Human Resources unit while helping to define and shape the department's culture, Rachel Vélez now will serve as the Associate Athletics Director for Human Resources. Her duties also will include aiding in the development and implementation of the department's strategic plan that will launch later this fall. Vélez also will serve as the primary sport administrator for Wildcats swimming and diving.
In addition to Matt Smith's role as Director of Operations, Events, and Premium Seating for athletics within Alumni Relations and Development, he will add the title of Assistant Athletics Director. Matt has served the University for over ten years and has been a steady force leading the athletics development team through a series of transformational facility projects and the recent leadership transition. Matt will add responsibilities as a sport-administrator and recently served on the search committee for new head baseball coach Jim Foster.
"The elevations and promotions align with our department's forthcoming Strategic Plan, which will launch later this fall," said Gragg. "We are incredibly thankful for our exceptional staff across all departments, and excited to build on the momentum the entire team has generated over the summer."
