GREENSBORO, N.C. – UNC Greensboro (UNCG) Director of Athletics Brian Mackin has announced that Mike Roach has been promoted into the role of Executive Associate Athletic Director for External Operations after a national search and extensive interview process. 

"Mike was the clear choice amongst an impressive group of candidates," Mackin said. "His commitment to UNCG Athletics is unwavering, and his knowledge of our program is unparalleled. For 15 years, Mike has been the constant connection for our donors, alumni, and friends. His collaborative nature has made him an ideal colleague to work with not only within UNCG Athletics but across the University."

"On a personal note, Mike has shown his leadership and professionalism in introducing me to the Greensboro community.  He has made my transition easier and my connection to UNCG and the Triad community stronger. I look forward to working with Mike to continue the trajectory of success in all areas of UNCG Athletics."

Collegiate Sports Associates assisted with the search. Roach has worked as the Director of the Spartan Club for the last 15 years. 

Roach will focus on successfully completing the Light the Way fundraising campaign goals and oversee external operations for UNCG Athletics. 

"I am humbled and honored to be selected to lead our external unit and work with a talented staff to help UNCG achieve its goals," Roach said. "I've been here 15 years and UNCG is such a big part of my life so the opportunity to work with coaches and administrators to make the student-athlete experience the best that it can possibly be is one that excites me and aligns with my passion. I want to thank Chancellor Gilliam, Beth Fischer, Brian Mackin, and the committee for their confidence and support of me. I look forward to enhancing our brand in Greensboro and beyond."
 
Roach helped secure a $600,000 gift from the Bodford family for the Speed, Strength, & Conditioning Center in August of 2020. In addition, he and the Spartan Club exceeded its annual scholarship fund for six straight years, from 2013-2019.
 
Prior to the Light the Way campaign, Roach played a vital role in the department's "5 for 5" fundraising campaign.  He was pivotal in raising $3 million which provided much-needed renovations to spaces that benefit all student-athletes. Roach also worked with coaches to create sports-based enrichment funds that alumni and friends give to directly benefit the sport of their choice.
 
In addition, under Roach's leadership, the Spartan Club and the Student-Athlete Advisory Council coordinated the True Spartan Challenge, a student-athlete giving campaign that saw 100 percent of UNCG student-athletes make a gift back to their team enrichment funds for the third consecutive year.
 
Roach came to UNCG in February of 2007 from Charlotte, where he worked with the Athletic Foundation as the Director of the Athletic Annual Fund. Before his work in Charlotte, he worked at Wake Forest University as the Assistant Director of Law School Development. 
 
Roach graduated from Guilford College with a bachelor of science degree in 1994. He was a three-year letter winner on the basketball team from 1991-94.
 
Roach is an active member of NACDA. He is married to Susan and they have two children, Lily and Jack. 

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT MIKE ROACH
Nelson Bobb (First UNCG Director of Athletics): "I am very happy for Mike (and for Brian).  Mike has wonderful knowledge not only of Athletics but also Advancement and our alums and our history. This is a well overdue acknowledgment of his contributions."

Judy Rose (Former Charlotte Director of Athletics): "Mike is a people person who creates opportunities to interact and engage with people – important attributes in gaining trust and developing relationships which are critical components of a fundraising position.  He will be awesome at this and provide great leadership at UNCG."

Kevin Bostian (Northwestern State Director of Athletics): "Mike has excellent people skills which has been demonstrated over the past 15 years.  He has unparalleled work ethic, great organization skills and his ability to connect with alumni and donors make him a real asset to UNCG.  I am confident that he will do a fantastic job for the Spartan community."   

Stacy Kosciak (Senior Associate Athletic Director at Bowling Green State University): "I am incredibly excited for Mike and UNCG Athletics.  For the past 15 years, Mike has been an integral part of the fundraising success at UNCG.  With his knowledge of the history, the alumni and the greater Greensboro community, along with his passion for the Spartans, I know that he will excel in this new leadership role."