The reorganization comes as long-time athletics administrator Todd Kelly leaves the Department of Athletics to become the president and CEO of the CSU-Pueblo Foundation. Kelly, who has served as the director of athletics development since 2003, has been with CSU-Pueblo Athletics since 1991, only broken by a two-year stint as the assistant commissioner of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference from 2001-03. During that time, Kelly earned several citations for publications from the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) during his time as CSU-Pueblo sports information director from 1991-2001, and as the National Association of Athletics Development Directors College Division Fundraiser of the Year in 2010.
“Todd has been a great asset to our athletic department in his two decades with us, and he has really been the face of our athletic department in the community,” Folda said. “He has directed a major boom in the department’s fundraising efforts over the past several years, expanding the opportunities of numerous student-athletes.”
As Kelly leaves the athletic department, the remaining athletics administrators will reorganize for 2012-13. Current Assistant Athletic Director Jeremy Capo will take over the role of associate athletics director for athletic development. Capo, who is entering his sixth year on the Athletics staff, will direct CSU-Pueblo’s scholarship fund, “Pack Club” and “ThunderGals” booster clubs as well as numerous special events. Previously, Capo administered the department’s facilities and compliance office.
Associate Athletic Director Niki Whitaker will become the department’s director of compliance, assuring that CSU-Pueblo and its student athletes are following NCAA rules and regulations. Whitaker, entering her seventh year on the CSU-Pueblo Athletics staff, will continue her current duties as the department’s senior woman administrator, title IX coordinator, and student-athlete development coordinator. Previously, Whitaker directed the department’s marketing efforts.
Ben LoCascio, assistant to the athletic director, will expand his duties, which previously included the CSU-Pueblo ticketing operation and fleet management, to include administration of athletic department’s facilities, including the Neta & Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl, Massari Arena, and Rawlings Sports Complex.
Joining the staff in an administrative role is current men’s golf coach Josh Koschke, who will become the department’s director of marketing and promotions. Koschke will administer the department’s marketing and promotions efforts as well as assist with athletic development activities. Despite the new role, Koschke, a 2005 mass communications graduate of CSU-Pueblo, will continue as the men’s golf coach.
The roles of Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations Anthony Sandstrom and Administrative Assistant Amanda Berry will not change for the 2012-13 school year.
“We had been thinking about making similar changes even before Todd’s announcement to leave so we could better utilize the skills of the outstanding staff we already have in place,” Folda said. “I’m confident that everyone on staff will perform admirably in their new positions and that each of our athletics programs will be better from having a more well-rounded staff serving them.”
The changes will become official August 1.
CSU-Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.
