Director of Athletics Whit Babcock announced on Wednesday promotions for members of his Executive Leadership team to more accurately reflect their responsibilities and the evolving nature of college athletics nationally.
"I'm proud of our leadership team," Babcock said. "Each of them are incredibly talented in their own right and they complement each other greatly, as a team. I lean on them daily and am grateful for their commitment to our department and student-athletes. They make us better and these title promotions more accurately reflect their duties and roles."
John Ballein, Executive Associate AD/Chief Operating Officer, will continue to serve as the primary driver of Internal Operations for the department, overseeing the Strength and Conditioning, Equipment Services, Facilities and Event Management, and the Business Office for all of Virginia Tech Athletics. He serves as the primary sport administrator for the Baseball and Volleyball programs, and the secondary sport administrator for the Men's and Women's Basketball programs.
Bridget Brugger-McSorley, Executive Associate AD/Strategic Affairs, oversees the Athletics HR unit, leads University and departmental policy and procedure compliance strategy while serving as the liaison to University Legal Counsel, Audit, and Title IX offices. She serves as the primary sport administrator for Women's Basketball and Lacrosse.
Reyna Gilbert-Lowry, Executive Associate AD/Inclusive Excellence and Alumni Engagement, serves as the Executive Director of the Monogram Club (the Virginia Tech Athletics Letterwinner organization), is the Senior Women's Administrator for Virginia Tech, develops strategies and initiatives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging within the Virginia Tech Department of Athletics, represents Virginia Tech as the Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee on a variety of committees, and serves as Chair for the Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Council. She is the oversight for the Women's Soccer, Men's Tennis, and Women's Tennis programs.
Derek Gwinn, Executive Associate AD/Compliance, oversees all aspects of the Compliance office for the Hokies, is the point of contact for NCAA and state guidance related to all NIL matters, and coordinates the institution's policies, procedures, and systems to ensure NCAA and ACC compliance. He serves as the sport administrator for Men's Golf.
Chris Helms, Executive Associate AD/Sport Administration, oversees the Sports Medicine/Athletic Training unit and serves as the liaison for the University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Housing Services. Helms is the primary sport administrator for Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track and Field, Men's Soccer, Men's Basketball, Softball, Wrestling, and Women's Golf programs.
Carmela Smith, Executive Assistant to the Director of Athletics, continues in her role supporting Babcock. A committed Hokie who has supported multiple Directors of Athletics and has worked alongside Babcock since his hiring at Virginia Tech, Carmela serves as the liaison with multiple campus groups on behalf of Babcock and works alongside the rest of the Executive Staff to manage the Department on a day-to-day basis.
Danny White, Executive Associate AD/Administration and Support Programs, oversees the sport performance and student-athlete support units, including Sports Nutrition, Academic Support, and Sports Psychology. He is the sport administrator for the Football and Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving programs.
Brad Wurthman, Executive Associate AD/External Affairs and Advancement, oversees all revenue generation, brand management, and fan development programs, including the Hokie Club, Marketing and Fan Development, Business Development, Brand Advancement, Ticket Sales and Service, Digital Strategy and Innovation, Creative Services, the ACC Network, and In-Venue Experience teams.
