ECU Athletics Director search committee named

East Carolina University Chancellor Cecil P. Staton, with the support of the ECU Board of Trustees, has named a 13-member search committee to recommend candidates to be considered for appointment as the university’s next director of athletics. Staton and Dave Hart, special advisor to the chancellor for athletics, will co-chair the committee.

“We are very pleased with the progress special advisor Dave Hart has made in reviewing and advising us on areas of improvement needed to reach all of our goals in athletics. Because of those months of work, I believe the timing is now right to bring on board an AD who will lead Pirate athletics into its next era,” said Staton. “I remain very appreciative of the expertise and assistance that Dave has brought to our athletics department, and I look forward to his continuing support as we work to put this program on a track for long-term success.”

Kieran Shanahan, chair of the ECU Board of Trustees, said the AD search is among the board’s highest priorities and he looks forward to the start of the process that will bring a new athletic director to Pirate Nation. “This is an outstanding opportunity for an AD who wants to work with engaged, high-energy alumni who are eager to support a winning program,” he said.

The committee expects to hold its first meeting in November.

Members of the search committee are as follows: 

Cecil Staton (co-chair), chancellor of ECU.

Dave Hart (co-chair), special advisor to the chancellor for athletics and former ECU athletic director.

Mark Copeland, member of the ECU Board of Trustees and managing partner for Ernst & Young.

Vern Davenport, member of the ECU Board of Trustees, partner at NovaQuest Capital Management and former ECU student athlete.

Tim Martin, president of the ECU Educational Foundation (Pirate Club).

Carl Rogers, past president of the ECU Educational Foundation.

Cal Christian, professor of accounting in the College of Business and faculty athletic representative of the ECU Educational Foundation.

Cliff Godwin, head coach of ECU baseball and former ECU student athlete.

Sara Thorndike, vice chancellor for administration and finance.

Jeff Popke, chair of the faculty and professor of geography in the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences.

JJ McLamb, senior associate athletics director for internal operations.

Rosie Thompson, former senior associate athletics director, senior women’s administrator, and former ECU student athlete.

LaKesha Alston Forbes, associate provost for equity and diversity.