Rutgers Athletics has announced the promotion of Matthew Colagiovanni to Deputy Athletic Director, Chief of Staff, in which he will serve as a strategic advisor to AD Keli Zinn and lead internal planning,
policy development, and department-wide operational alignment. He will make sure that the athletic department continues to operate both strategically and efficiently during the current fast-paced movement around collegiate athletics.
Keli Zinn discussed the promotion, saying that “Matt’s effectiveness, institutional knowledge and mentality, have made him an invaluable member of our leadership team. He is a tireless worker whose commitment to the department and the student-athlete experience is second to none. This promotion is recognition of his impact to the past, present and most importantly, the future of Rutgers Athletics.”
Colagiovanni is currently in his 25th year with the Rutgers Athletic Department, where he played a pivotal role in the infrastructure and operations of the university’s athletic programs. He oversaw many capital projects, managed the daily operations of a 55-member facilities staff, and provided administrative leadership for multiple key sports, including football, men’s basketball, men’s soccer, men’s lacrosse, and track and field.
Most recently, he served as Deputy Athletic Director for Facilities, Capital Projects, and Internal Operations, where he provided administration, strategic planning, and oversaw facilities developments for all 24 of Rutgers’ athletic teams. Colagiovanni also served as the acting Athletic Director this summer when interim AD Ryan Pisarri accepted a full-time athletic director position at Tufts University.
In addition to his work at Rutgers, Colagiovanni has served on the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Committee, including three years as chair, and represented Rutgers on the Big Ten Olympic Sports Oversight Committee. He was also appointed to the Rutgers Presidential Search Committee, which led to the important hire of current university president William F. Tate IV.
Colagiovanni said this about his new role: “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve in my new role as Chief of Staff. My family and I have called Rutgers and this wonderful community home for nearly 25 years. I am especially excited and thankful about the future of our department under Keli’s leadership. Her vision and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly guide us toward continued growth and success. There are countless individuals across the Rutgers community to whom I owe sincere thanks for their support, mentorship, and encouragement throughout the years. I look forward to moving ahead together, advancing the mission and values that make Rutgers such an extraordinary institution.”
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