Rothermel Tabbed to Lead Saint Joseph’s of Maine Athletics Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Courtesy of SJC Athletics Communications

STANDISH, Maine – Saint Joseph's College President Dr. James Dlugos is pleased to announce that Will Rothermel has been named as Associate Vice President & Chief Athletics and Recreation Officer (CARO). His official start date is May 2nd, 2022.

In this newly created position, Rothermel will provide visionary leadership and administrative direction for the Monks' 22 varsity sports programs as well as the coordination of all recreation activities at Saint Joseph's, including the College's club sports, intramural and outdoor recreation programs.

"I am beyond thrilled to be joining the Saint Joseph's College community and cannot wait to get to work with the exceptional students, staff, faculty and community members that make up Monk Nation," adds Rothermel. "The sense of community at Saint Joseph's is palpable as soon as you talk to anyone there, and I am humbled and honored to assume this campus leadership position."

"I am especially grateful to President Jim Dlugos, Kris Avery, and search committee co-chairs Liz Wiesen and Bob Chaddock who have all been so hospitable throughout the process," Rothermel continues. "I have great respect for the tradition of excellence in athletics at Saint Joseph's and I believe that is a testament to the high-level coaching and athletics staff that interact with students every day. I am excited to work alongside them and continue to raise the bar for Monks Athletics and create a distinctive student-athlete experience!"

Rothermel, who hails from York, Maine, has an extensive background in athletics administration and brings a plethora of experience to Saint Joseph's after working in numerous leadership positions – at all three NCAA levels – over the last 13 years.

Rothermel comes to the Shores of Sebago after serving a seven-year stint as an Associate Director of Athletics at Ithaca College, where he held numerous roles within the department, ranging from NCAA compliance, event management, marketing & promotions to fundraising, corporate sponsorship and business operations. He also served as a sport supervisor for nearly half of the Bombers' 27 sports during his time on South Hill.

Prior to joining Ithaca's staff in 2015, Rothermel served as the Assistant Athletic Director for Corporate Development at Virginia Commonwealth University. In this role, Rothermel directed a corporate sponsorship program that generated more than $2.3 million in revenue while overseeing a portfolio of 100+ corporate sponsors and donors.

Rothermel began his career in college athletics administration in 2009 at Merrimack College, where he served in roles as an assistant sports information director, athletics marketing coordinator, and director of club sports before being named as an assistant athletic director in 2011. His responsibilities included oversight of the Warriors' staff and external operations including marketing, ticketing and corporate sponsorships.

A 2006 graduate of Saint Michael's College (VT), Rothermel earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and was a member of the men's basketball program.

In 2009, Rothermel earned a master's degree in education and sport management from Old Dominion University, where he coordinated the undergraduate and graduate internship program and enhanced mentoring and networking systems for students in the sport management program.

As the CARO, Rothermel will be tasked with establishing short-term goals and a long term strategic plan and vision for the department while overseeing athletics fundraising, public relations and local community outreach. In addition, he will work closely with the College's Chief Advancement Officer to develop and execute successful fundraising campaigns.

Although many of the CARO's responsibilities mirror those of the traditional Director of Athletics model, the position has been redefined to better reflect the strategic importance athletics plays in the Saint Joseph's College experience. The Associate Vice President & Chief Athletics and Recreation Officer will serve as a member of the College's leadership team.

"I'm delighted that Will has chosen to become part of the Saint Joseph's College community," adds President Dlugos. "His experience and energy will contribute greatly to the continuing success of Monks Athletics."

In accordance with Rothermel's appointment, Interim Athletic Director Bob Chaddock will step aside to focus on his position as the College's Director of Campus Safety & Emergency Preparedness, a role for which he was hired during the summer of 2019. Chaddock has capably filled both positions for the last six months and will assist in the leadership transition until Rothermel officially joins the College in May.

Rothermel will soon be moving to Maine along with his wife Laurel, son Brooks, and identical twin daughters Reese and Charlotte.