Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG — Virginia Tech Vice President and Director of Athletics Brian White announced the hiring of Mary Giardina as the department's Deputy Athletics Director and Chief of Staff, adding one of the nation's most respected senior administrators to the Hokies' executive leadership team.
Giardina brings more than 15 years of experience in collegiate athletics administration, including leadership roles at West Virginia, Florida Atlantic, Duke and the Atlantic Coast Conference. She most recently served as West Virginia's executive senior associate athletics director for student-athlete experience, governance and compliance after joining the Mountaineers in January 2026.
Prior to that, she spent seven years at Florida Atlantic, including three (2022-25) as deputy athletics director, chief of staff and senior woman administrator under White. Giardina arrived in Boca Raton in 2018, initially hired as the Owls’ senior associate athletics director of compliance and SWA.
In her new role, Giardina will serve as a key member of Virginia Tech's executive leadership team, overseeing strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations while partnering closely with White to advance the department's priorities, strengthen organizational alignment and enhance the student-athlete experience.
"Mary is one of the most talented, trusted and respected leaders I've had the privilege to work alongside," White said. "She is an exceptional strategist, an outstanding relationship builder and someone who leads with integrity, accountability and a relentless commitment to people. We accomplished a great deal together at Florida Atlantic, and I've seen firsthand how her leadership elevates an entire department.
“As we continue building the future of Virginia Tech Athletics, there is no one I trust more to help lead our staff, support our coaches and create an environment where our student-athletes can thrive."
Giardina reunites with White after helping guide one of the most successful periods in Florida Atlantic Athletics history. As deputy athletics director and chief of staff, she oversaw the day-to-day operations of the department's 19 varsity sports, more than 450 student-athletes and over 125 employees. She also supervised human resources, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, Title IX and served as the sport administrator for football, women's basketball and baseball.
Before her tenure at Florida Atlantic, Giardina served as executive director of compliance at Duke, where she led the day-to-day operations of the compliance office and developed innovative rules education initiatives. She also previously worked at the ACC as director of compliance, managing conference compliance operations and piloting a project to improve rules education for league members.
Prior to her role at the ACC, Giardina's first stint at Duke was as an assistant director of sports information from 2011-2013, where she coordinated public relations, publicity and social media for several Blue Devil sports teams.
Additionally, in that first stint at Duke from 2010-2011, she got her start in compliance by working as a liaison with the unit, putting an emphasis on monitoring NCAA Bylaw 13. The Bylaw governs recruiting and details rules and interactions with prospective student-athletes.
Giardina first crossed paths with the White family while working under Hall of Fame athletics director and Brian’s dad, Kevin White at Duke, establishing a professional relationship that has continued throughout her career.
"I'm incredibly honored and grateful to join Brian and the Virginia Tech family," Giardina said. "Virginia Tech has a proud tradition, an incredibly passionate fan base and a clear vision for where this department is headed. Having worked alongside Brian, I know the standard of excellence he expects and the culture he builds. I'm excited to help support our coaches and staff, serve our student-athletes and contribute to a championship-caliber experience in every aspect of Hokie Athletics."
A former Wake Forest track and field student-athlete, Giardina earned her bachelor's degree in health and exercise science from Wake Forest in 2006, where she was a member of the ACC Academic Honor Roll. She later earned a master's degree in liberal studies from Duke in 2013. Giardina and her husband, Matt Preston, will reside in Blacksburg.