College Sports Information Directors of America

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Vance, who reshaped the direction and governance structure of CoSIDA with his leadership and saw the organization set membership records during his tenure, has served as executive director for the last eight years. A national search for Vance’s replacement will take place in the months ahead.

Doug Vance, who has served as Executive Director of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) national association for the last eight years, has announced his retirement, effective in July 2022.

During Vance’s tenure, the national organization of athletic communicators and creatives in college athletics has seen unprecedented expansion in its member benefits, member involvement and professional development opportunities along with record-setting growth. He is just the second executive director in CoSIDA history.

“It has been a distinct privilege to serve as executive director of CoSIDA and I’m eagerly looking forward to the next several months of my involvement as we move forward on numerous initiatives,” noted Vance. “Working alongside our leaders and members to make a difference in the profession serves as daily motivation. I’m going to miss working daily with Will (Roleson), Barb (Kowal), Laurie (Bollig) and Beau (White) who I consider good friends and four of the very best work teammates I could have.
 

“I’ve been blessed to discover two rewarding careers that have provided me a ring-side seat for involvement in college sports. Both careers shaped the life I was able to live as they were both about service to others. The greatest reward of this job was having the opportunity to make so many new friends in the membership and corporate partnership program while also reconnecting with others who I've known for many years."

Among the numerous achievements and advancements under Vance’s direction, CoSIDA and its membership have seen:

• record membership growth throughout his tenure with over 3,200 members
• a comprehensive strategic plan study in 2015-16; its implementation resulted in membership growth, heightened visibility for the CoSIDA brand, CoSIDA governance structure review and change, increased visibility and outreach, and enhanced year-round leadership, professional development and continuing education opportunities for members
• an expanded corporate partner program and collaborations with those partners
• an emphasis on advocacy on behalf of the CoSIDA association and its membership, with outreaches to external stakeholders (athletic directors, commissioners, senior administrators, national leaders) to showcase and demonstrate the value and impact of athletic communicators
• among CoSIDA’s advocacy and branding initiatives under Vance: the 2015-16 strategic branding study and implementation of recommendations; the 2020 compensation, staffing and career satisfaction survey; and the upcoming 2021-22 strategic branding review process involving multiple consultants, membership surveys and focus groups to examine the role of CoSIDA today and beyond
• introduction of a new, modernized and streamlined CoSIDA governance model in 2020 via membership vote; this new structure creates more leadership opportunities for members with an Executive Board of Directors, an Advisory Council and Divisional Cabinets
• diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives which have resulted in a standing committee to address the subject and a nationally-recognized Racial and Social Justice Initiative series of webinars, podcasts and professional development opportunities
• expanding CoSIDA’s communications and branding efforts with CoSIDA 360 magazine, social media channels, website resources, an annual CoSIDA Membership Recognition Week and expanded membership recognitions, award honors and contests
• a modernization and streamlining of processes used in the day-to-day operations of a national association, including the introduction of an association  management system, an awards software platform and community platforms
• CoSIDA’s signature program — the Academic All-America® awards program — has seen consistent growth with annual nominations approaching 20,000 and recognition of the program by current and former student-athletes in public forums

“There are no words that can truly describe the impact Doug has had on the profession, but more importantly on CoSIDA as an organization,” noted current CoSIDA President Cindy Potter, Columbia College Senior Deputy Director of Athletics. “Doug took on a tall task of becoming the second executive director in CoSIDA history and wasted no time getting to work. He has seen CoSIDA through many challenges and changes and has continued to be steadfast in his support of the members. He leaves the organization in a better place because of his dedication, passion, and leadership.

“On a personal note, Doug and his wife, Sue, have become extended members of my family. I am grateful for their loving and caring nature and wish there were more individuals like them in this world. I am also hopeful that Doug’s retirement will mean less time on his phone and less time online, equating to more time spent with family and friends!”

As the second executive director in CoSIDA history, Vance replaced John Humenik who served in that role from March 2008 through May 2013.

In announcing his retirement set for next summer, Vance will be ending his nearly 50 year career of distinguished service in collegiate athletics and association management. He came to CoSIDA in 2013 after serving as the Executive Director of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA) from July 2004 to September 2013. Vance was named as the 2012 national chair of the Council of State Executive Directors, an organization of parks and recreation state association executive directors from across the country.
 

Prior to his KRPA position, Vance worked 20 years as an administrator in the University of Kansas athletics department. He served 18 years as KU’s assistant athletics director for media relations and the final two years as associate athletics director for communications. Prior to his communications positions at Kansas, Vance served as sports iInformation director at Murray State University (1978-83) and Austin Peay State University (1973-78).

Among his numerous honors, Vance served as CoSIDA president in 1993-94 and was honored with CoSIDA Hall of Fame induction in 2000. This past March, he received the 2021 Katha Quinn Award from the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) for outstanding service and commitment to the USBWA and sportswriters who cover college basketball. As KRPA executive director, Vance was awarded the KRPA President’s Award in 2005, an honor given for distinguished contributions to the KRPA organization.

“Doug has been a steady, invested leader and capable steward for our profession while serving as our executive director,” stated Shelly Poe, Auburn University Assistant Athletics Director/Communications and former CoSIDA President who chaired the selection committee that hired Vance in 2013.

“He has been at the helm as our organization has remained strong and relevant, has grown in membership, and most importantly, has navigated the uncertainties of a shifting landscape in college athletics. His legacy will be a substantial one and our debt to him is equally substantial.”

A national search will begin in early 2022 for CoSIDA’s next executive director. Inquiries should be directed via email to CoSIDA President Cindy Potter (cnpotter@ccis.edu).