A Proven Builder and Leader, Jim Smith Is Ready to Elevate Maryland Athletics

Jim Smith was still relatively young in his administrative career when he worked alongside Andy Geiger at Ohio State. 

Smith and Geiger’s paths overlapped during Smith’s time as associate athletic director from 1995-2000. Throughout those years, they collaborated on numerous initiatives, with Geiger as a mentor to Smith. At the time, Geiger brought over 30 years of experience as a head athletic director at five different schools.

Geiger served as the athletic director at Maryland from 1990-94 before taking his job at Ohio State. Organically, College Park was a talking point between the two. However, it’s now a place where they will share commonality. 

Smith was announced as Maryland’s Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics on May 15. He fulfilled a dream of becoming an athletic director, which Geiger directly inspired. Smith now sits in the chair that Geiger once sat in. 

“It was Andy that really inspired me to lead with integrity and have a bold vision for what college athletics can be,” Smith said in his introductory press conference on May 22. “There is an opportunity for change, opportunity for growth, for innovation, for leadership. … I'm standing here today because I want to grasp that mantle.”

Smith — who has been surrounded by sports his entire life — reached the pinnacle of his career. He’s tasked with directing a team of more than 250 full-time staff members who support more than 550 student-athletes. His goal is simple: lead Maryland Athletics fearlessly forward. 

Whether it was playing soccer as a kid, refereeing and playing basketball in high school,  working in Minor League Baseball, coaching college tennis, running live events for the World Wrestling Federation, managing an MLS club, leading marketing for an NFL team, starting an MLS team from scratch, working with the NBA and NLL or running the MLB All-Star Game this summer in Atlanta, Smith is an all sports guy who has been involved in sports his entire life.  

In the new landscape of college athletics, which requires a business mindset, strategic planning, data analytics and financial acumen to stay competitive, Smith brings the necessary skills and expertise to College Park. 

“Jim brings a long and successful career in sports as an executive in professional league teams, and a deep history in college athletics,” Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti said. “Jim has a deep and long history of supporting student athletes in college athletics. This is not a new venture for him. … He is the right man to lead Maryland into the new era of college athletics.”

Smith is a Big Ten guy. He graduated from Northwestern before earning his Master’s in Sports Management at Ohio State. From there, he worked in athletics for over two decades at collegiate and professional organizations, including the Atlanta Braves, Ohio State, Atlanta Falcons, AMB Sports & Entertainment, and Columbus Crew. 

He boasts a network of colleagues and consultants who have led elite college athletic programs.  One of the consulting talents he plans to tap into is that of his former colleague Gene Smith. The now-retired, legendary athletic director redefined the position at Ohio State from 2005-24. 

He spoke highly of Maryland’s new hire, praising his experiences as aligning well with the current landscape.  

“Intercollegiate athletics is undergoing rapid change,” Gene said. “The A.D. position is evolving as well. Jim Smith's experiences on campus and with pro sports make him uniquely qualified to lead the Terrapins program. Organizations like Ohio State, the Braves, the Falcons and Atlanta United are all exceptional, making Jim a tremendous hire."

As Darryll J. Pines, President of the University of Maryland, said, it was important for the athletic department to hire someone with significant administrative and business experience. Smith’s background more than checked that box. But Pines also sought to hire someone who aligned with the school’s mission and values, had impactful ideas on navigating the quickly changing world of collegiate athletics and presented himself with energy, drive and passion. 

Smith met all the criteria. And at each stop in his career, he delivered rapid growth, increased engagement and enhanced operations. Derek Schiller, President and CEO of the Atlanta Braves, was another colleague of Smith. He says there is no doubt Smith will continue the trend at Maryland and take its athletic program to new heights.

“The University of Maryland is getting a seasoned sports executive with a proven track record of enhancing championship organizations,” Schiller said. “Jim is bringing more than 20 years of successful experience strategically building revenue and developing talent at the professional and collegiate levels.”

Smith outlined several focuses in his press conference, including being good University partners and Big Ten colleagues, building the best athletic program in the country, alumni engagement revenue and most importantly, supporting student-athletes. 

“I'm also going to be a relentless supporter of our student athletes,” Smith said. “That means investing in academic support, nutrition and training, leadership development, mental health services, brand building and financial wellness. All of these things create the holistic athlete that we're trying to create while winning championships.”

Smith’s appointment marks more than just a professional milestone — it’s the continuation of a legacy rooted in mentorship, vision and a lifelong dedication to sport. From learning under Geiger at Ohio State to stepping into his former role at Maryland, Smith’s journey reflects the evolution of college athletics and the leaders it demands. 

With a rare blend of institutional knowledge, professional league experience and an unwavering commitment to student-athletes, he’s poised to honor the past and build a bold, forward-thinking future for Maryland Athletics.

“With committed coaches, dedicated staff and supportive alumni and friends, we are well-positioned to collectively reshape our athletic department to ensure Maryland remains at the forefront of the truly great athletic programs in the country,” Smith said.