Missouri strengthens its executive leadership team with key promotions, a national search for a new deputy athletics director, and the return of Bryan Maggard as college athletics enters a new era shaped by NIL, revenue sharing, and the SEC.
Director of Athletics Laird Veatch announced Thursday that Deputy Athletics Director, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Woman Administrator Marcy Girton will retire in mid-August, while former Missouri executive Dr. Bryan Maggard returns to Columbia as the department's new Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer.
The changes come as athletic departments nationwide continue to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), revenue sharing, conference realignment, and expanded athlete compensation, making experienced leadership more valuable than ever.
Marcy Girton Leaves Lasting Legacy
Girton concludes a distinguished 43-year career in collegiate athletics, including more than three years at Missouri, where she helped guide one of the SEC's premier athletic departments through unprecedented change.
Since arriving in Columbia in 2023, Girton played a central role in implementing Missouri's NIL strategy, preparing the department for revenue-sharing initiatives, and overseeing key operational priorities. She also served as the sport administrator for football and softball while leading the department as interim athletics director during Missouri's leadership transition in 2024.
"Marcy has been an invaluable member of our leadership team during one of the most transformational periods in college athletics," Veatch said.
"Her steady leadership, thoughtful guidance and commitment to our student-athletes and staff have elevated our department in countless ways. She has helped position Mizzou Athletics for long-term success while serving with integrity and professionalism."
Missouri football head coach Eli Drinkwitz credited Girton with helping strengthen one of the SEC's rising football programs.
"Marcy has been an integral part of our success, and we wish her the very best in retirement."
Reflecting on her career, Girton expressed gratitude for the relationships she built throughout more than four decades in collegiate athletics.
"The greatest joy of this journey has been the privilege of working alongside outstanding student-athletes, coaches and staff who continually strive for excellence."
Bryan Maggard Returns Home
To replace Girton's operational leadership, Missouri has hired Dr. Bryan Maggard, who returns after serving as Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Louisiana.
Maggard's resume includes one of the nation's most successful tenures among Group of Five athletic directors.
During his nine years leading Louisiana Athletics, the Ragin' Cajuns:
- Captured 20 Sun Belt Conference championships
- Earned 23 NCAA postseason appearances
- Won conference championships in football, baseball, and softball
- Generated a record $30 million in fundraising
- Secured the department's largest-ever philanthropic gift of $15 million
- Negotiated a landmark 10-year Learfield multimedia rights agreement
His national reputation also continues to grow.
For Missouri, however, his greatest advantage may be his familiarity with Columbia.
Before leading Louisiana Athletics, Maggard spent 22 years at Mizzou, where he played an instrumental role in Missouri's transition into the Southeastern Conference.
"Bryan's extensive leadership experience, proven record of building championship-caliber athletics departments and deep understanding of Mizzou make him an outstanding addition to our Senior Leadership Team," Veatch said.
Maggard called the opportunity to return "coming home."
"The momentum surrounding Mizzou Athletics is undeniable, and I look forward to working alongside our coaches, staff and student-athletes as we continue pursuing championships."
New Deputy Position Reflects College Athletics' Evolution
One of the most significant announcements is Missouri's creation of a third Deputy Athletics Director position, focused exclusively on Olympic sports.
The new Deputy Athletics Director/Chief of Olympic Sport Leadership will oversee championship strategy across Missouri's Olympic sports programs while working closely with coaches on:
- Recruiting
- Budget management
- Scheduling
- Student-athlete development
- Competitive success
The position will also assume responsibilities as Missouri's Senior Woman Administrator, replacing Girton.
The university will conduct a national search to fill the role.
Promotions Strengthen Executive Team
Missouri also announced several promotions aimed at expanding leadership across the department.
Executive Leadership Promotions
- Nick Grunenwald — Executive Athletics Director/Senior Counsel for Athletics
- Michael Schroeder — Executive Athletics Director/Chief Brand Officer
- Dave Matter — Senior Associate Athletics Director/Strategic Communications and Creative Media
- Connor Jordan — Associate Athletics Director/Strategic Revenues
- Josh Moore — Associate Athletics Director/Marketing and Sales
- Katie Martinez — Associate Athletics Director/Olympic Sport Leadership
Collectively, the moves reflect Missouri's commitment to strengthening legal operations, branding, communications, revenue generation, and Olympic sports administration.
Preparing for College Athletics' New Business Model
The leadership restructuring underscores a broader reality facing Power Four athletic departments.
As NIL regulations continue evolving, direct athlete compensation expands through revenue-sharing agreements, and schools compete for national prominence in the SEC, athletic departments increasingly resemble sophisticated business enterprises requiring executive-level expertise across finance, legal affairs, marketing, fundraising, compliance, and competitive strategy.
Veatch said Missouri's new organizational structure is intentionally designed to help the Tigers compete for championships while supporting student-athletes across every sport.
"As college athletics continues to evolve, we're intentionally strengthening our sport leadership structure to better support our coaches and student-athletes," Veatch said.
The Tigers believe these strategic investments will help position Mizzou Athletics to remain competitive both on the field and in the rapidly changing business landscape of college sports for years to come.
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-- By James W. Thomas
© Copyright 2026 JWT Communications. All rights reserved. This article cannot be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or distributed in any form without written permission.
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