Courtesy of David Buck, Findlay Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations
FINDLAY, Ohio -- The University of Findlay has tabbed Brandi Laurita as the Oilers new director of athletics. Laurita, who has been serving as an assistant athletic director and senior woman administrator at UF since 2008, was selected after a national search was conducted.
“Brandi has done a fantastic job of helping our student athletes succeed in their respective sports and in the classroom,” said President Katherine Fell, Ph.D. “She has distinguished herself and the University by serving in several leadership positions here, and at regional and national levels. We are excited about Brandi’s appointment and about the direction that our athletic program will take under her leadership,” she said.
Since her arrival at Findlay, Laurita has been an instrumental figure in the successes of the Oilers athletic department. She has served as the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) advisor and has been accountable for the the allocation, oversight and distribution of athletic scholarships. Laurita has also been strategically placed on a number of NCAA and Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) committees, most notably the GLIAC Executive Committee and GLIAC Management Council.
“I am deeply honored and excited that President Katherine Fell and The University of Findlay have entrusted me the responsibility to lead the Oilers athletic department to new levels of success,” said Laurita.
Since 2011, Laurita has participated in the NCAA/ADA Division II Director of Athletics Mentoring Program, working closely with Greg Bamberger of Kutztown University. The program is designed to prepare assistant and associate athletic directors for the next step in their careers by giving them insight on all aspects of daily responsibilities associated with running a successful athletic department.
“Being a part of the mentoring program helped provide me with the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in the role of an athletic director. The program has also afforded me a network to grow in this new role.”
In the fall of 2014, Laurita began participating in the university’s development efforts. Working closely with the UF development office, Laurita has used the experience to gain knowledge in identifying potential advancement opportunities.
“I am excited about the opportunity to work with a skilled group of professionals in the office of development to help build the necessary relationships needed in order to take this athletic department to a new level.”
A member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), Laurita has also been a part of several community-related committees during her time in Findlay. She served as the chair of Findlay/Hancock County Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors in 2013 and was also a member of the Findlay/Hancock County Alliance Board of Directors.
“The city of Findlay is not only a wonderful place to work, but I couldn’t think of a better place for my family to call home.”
Before coming to Findlay, Laurita worked as the head cross country coach and director of compliance at Converse College. While at Converse, Laurita also served three years as an athletic-academic resource coordinator and two more as an assistant volleyball coach.
Laurita graduated from St. Andrews Presbyterian College with a degree in physical education and was a dual sport athlete in volleyball and softball. She later earned her master’s degree in education from Converse.
Laurita replaces Steven Rackley, who resigned earlier this year to become Alma College’s athletic director.
“I can not say enough about Steven Rackley and the opportunities he has provided for me. He will continue to be a mentor and friend and I wish him the best of luck in his new adventures.”