Top 10 Directors of Athletics - 2026

For Daren Messmore, leading athletics is less about standing at center stage and more about making sure everything works when the lights come on. As Director of Athletics and Activities at Providence Academy, Messmore oversees more than 30 athletic programs and activities, working across coaching, facilities, budgets, and student-athletes.

Across all three NCAA divisions, Lauren Packer Webster has worked in athletics administration, compliance and communications. She now directs athletics and recreation at Franklin & Marshall College, following 13 years as a senior administrator at Mercyhurst University.

Milton Overton directs athletics at Kennesaw State University. His background includes athletics administration, revenue generation, multimedia rights management and facility capital projects, with experience across five NCAA conferences and a focus on compliance and student-athlete academic support.

Dr. Monique Carroll is vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics at Chicago State University. Her NCAA Division I experience covers revenue generation, marketing, fundraising, game operations, ticket sales, sponsorships, compliance and academics.

James DuBose Jr., director of athletics at Elizabeth City State University, is advancing a vision built on academic achievement, championship success, strategic fundraising, and modern facilities. Drawing on diverse management and athletics administration experience, he is expanding opportunities for student-athletes to excel.

Jonathan Arellano is the Athletic Director at KIPP Public Schools Northern California. Drawing on his experience as a student-athlete and coach, he builds athletic programs that develop discipline, resilience, teamwork, confidence, and engagement with sports while helping students grow beyond competition.