---
title: Braves Executive Named UMD Athletic Director
date: 2025-05-15T09:35:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/braves-executive-named-umd-athletic-director"
section: Articles
---
# Braves Executive Named UMD Athletic Director

*May 15, 2025* — by [Maryland Athletics Staff](/author/maryland-athletics-staff)


> Smith Brings Leadership and Business Experience to Build on Maryland Athletics’ Success

*SECU Stadium Aerial 10312024 EK 0507 DAM — Starting July 15, James E. Smith will oversee Maryland Athletics, which has more than 250 full-time staff members who support over 550 student-athletes.*

The University of Maryland on Thursday named James E. Smith as its new Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics. Smith will come to UMD from the Atlanta Braves, where he has been serving as senior vice president of business strategy.

“We are proud of the athletics tradition here at the University of Maryland and of the accomplishments of our coaches and student-athletes who represent the red, black, white and gold,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. “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.”


*James E. Smith headshot*




**Topics:** [Athletics](https://today.umd.edu/tags/athletics)



**Units:** [Department of Intercollegiate Athletics](https://today.umd.edu/topic/department-intercollegiate-athletics)