Maryland hires Atlanta Braves executive Jim Smith as new athletic director

After a nationwide search, the University of Maryland has named Jim Smith, the Atlanta Braves’ senior vice president of business strategy, as its new athletic director.

“As college athletics rapidly evolves, Jim brings valuable administrative and business experience, plus the energy, vision and passion to lead our athletics program to new levels of success and impact,” University president Darryll Pines said in a release.

Smith’s role with the Braves over the last five years included driving annual ticket, concession and retail purchases, as well as managing the planning for this year’s MLB All-Star Game in suburban Atlanta.

“It is a great honor to be chosen to lead the athletics department at the University of Maryland and to guide UMD’s storied programs into the next era,” Smith said. “I am highly motivated to build upon excellence and lead Maryland forward in a dynamic and pivotal time for intercollegiate athletics, with a sharp focus on student-athlete health, well-being and academic success.” 

His roots in Georgia include multiple management positions across Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank’s portfolio, including with Blank’s NFL franchise, Atlanta United of the MLS, and the design and development of Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Though he doesn’t have any prior connection to Maryland, his ties to the Big Ten Conference run deep. Smith earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from two of the league’s top institutions, Northwestern and Ohio State, respectively, and was the former president and CEO of The Ohio State University Alumni Association.

“Jim is a proven and exceptional talent who has excelled in a variety of professional sports organizations,” Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti said. “He will be a wonderful addition to the Big Ten Athletic Director group and I look forward to working with him.”

Smith replaces former Maryland athletic director Damon Evans, who was in the permanent role for seven years before leaving for the same position at Southern Methodist on March 21 amid the men’s basketball team’s run to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. 

Then-men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard left for Villanova when Maryland’s tournament run ended — and after publicly airing a series of grievances against Evans and the university. Interim AD Colleen Sorem, who was not considered for the full-time position, led the process in late March to hire Buzz Williams to replace Willard.

Smith will begin his role in College Park on July 15, and a press conference to introduce him to the Maryland community will be scheduled at a later date.