University of Richmond Athletics
Richmond Athletics Hires Stephen Butler as New Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief Operating Officer
04/17/2023 | General
RICHMOND, Va. — Stephen Butler will join Richmond Athletics as the organization's Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief Operating Officer, Vice President and Director of Athletics John Hardt announced Monday. Butler comes to Richmond after spending the previous 12 years at Niagara University, where he has served as the Deputy Director of Athletics/COO since July 2014. He will officially join the Spiders on May 8.
"I'm thrilled to welcome Stephen and his family to Richmond," said Hardt. "Stephen's extensive experience with both internal and external operations, his leadership at the conference and national levels of intercollegiate athletics, and his record of success at Niagara make him an excellent choice to fill this critically important role. At every stage of our search process, Stephen demonstrated the ability and vision needed to help guide Richmond through the modern environment of intercollegiate athletics. He will be a tremendous asset to our coaches, staff, and Spider student-athletes."
Butler will fill the role currently occupied by David Walsh, who will retire in June following 23 years with the Spiders.
"The University of Richmond is synonymous with excellence and I am beyond excited to join the Richmond Spiders community," said Butler. " I am so grateful to John Hardt and his leadership for entrusting me with this enormous opportunity to contribute to the rich traditions at UR. Go Spiders!"
Butler has been at Niagara since 2011 and has served as the sport administrator for every sport offered by the Purple Eagles during his tenure. He has also served as Niagara's Interim Director of Athletics twice, most recently in 2013-14.
As the Deputy Director of Athletics/COO at Niagara, Butler managed the daily operations of the Athletics Department and provided oversight of athletics communications, ticketing, marketing and promotions, and advancement efforts. Butler also focused on revenue generation, leading Niagara's Purple & White Club to record-setting results, assisting in the procurement of major gifts, and working towards the formation of a partnership between Niagara and Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment.
Butler also served as the Executive Committee Chair for the Atlantic Hockey Association. In 2018, he was one of 12 NCAA Division I administrators selected for the NCAA Pathway Program, an intensive experiential learning opportunity that aims to elevate and assist future athletics directors.
Prior to joining Niagara, Butler was at Syracuse University from 2006 to 2011, working with both the Orange's compliance office and football program during that span.
Butler is a 2006 graduate of Buffalo's Medaille University. He and his wife Amanda have two daughters, Molly and Lauren, and twin boys Anthony and Charles.
"I'm thrilled to welcome Stephen and his family to Richmond," said Hardt. "Stephen's extensive experience with both internal and external operations, his leadership at the conference and national levels of intercollegiate athletics, and his record of success at Niagara make him an excellent choice to fill this critically important role. At every stage of our search process, Stephen demonstrated the ability and vision needed to help guide Richmond through the modern environment of intercollegiate athletics. He will be a tremendous asset to our coaches, staff, and Spider student-athletes."
Butler will fill the role currently occupied by David Walsh, who will retire in June following 23 years with the Spiders.
"The University of Richmond is synonymous with excellence and I am beyond excited to join the Richmond Spiders community," said Butler. " I am so grateful to John Hardt and his leadership for entrusting me with this enormous opportunity to contribute to the rich traditions at UR. Go Spiders!"
Butler has been at Niagara since 2011 and has served as the sport administrator for every sport offered by the Purple Eagles during his tenure. He has also served as Niagara's Interim Director of Athletics twice, most recently in 2013-14.
As the Deputy Director of Athletics/COO at Niagara, Butler managed the daily operations of the Athletics Department and provided oversight of athletics communications, ticketing, marketing and promotions, and advancement efforts. Butler also focused on revenue generation, leading Niagara's Purple & White Club to record-setting results, assisting in the procurement of major gifts, and working towards the formation of a partnership between Niagara and Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment.
Butler also served as the Executive Committee Chair for the Atlantic Hockey Association. In 2018, he was one of 12 NCAA Division I administrators selected for the NCAA Pathway Program, an intensive experiential learning opportunity that aims to elevate and assist future athletics directors.
Prior to joining Niagara, Butler was at Syracuse University from 2006 to 2011, working with both the Orange's compliance office and football program during that span.
Butler is a 2006 graduate of Buffalo's Medaille University. He and his wife Amanda have two daughters, Molly and Lauren, and twin boys Anthony and Charles.
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