Virginia Tech has recently concluded its search for an athletic director, welcoming Brian White, formerly the AD at Florida Atlantic University, to the role. White, at 42, is recognized as a rising star among athletic directors nationwide, bringing experience from Louisiana Tech, Tulsa, Army West Point, and Missouri before his tenure at FAU, which began in 2018.
White's background in athletic administration is extensive, stemming from a family legacy; his father, Kevin, served as a long-time AD for institutions like Notre Dame and Duke. His brother, Danny, currently holds the athletic director position at Tennessee, while another brother, Mike, coaches basketball at Georgia. Furthermore, his sister, Mariah, is an assistant athletic director at SMU. Demonstrating his proactive approach, White made his inaugural hire for Virginia Tech, announcing Ryan Gottlieb as the Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Strategy Officer.
Gottlieb's newly established role involves spearheading commercial growth and innovation for the department, with a focus on formulating long-term strategies that boost revenue, modernize operations, and ensure enduring success for Virginia Tech Athletics. Previously, Gottlieb worked alongside White at FAU as the Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Commercial Officer, having also contributed to Rutgers, Georgia Tech, Alabama-Birmingham, Louisiana Tech, and Colorado. White expressed his enthusiasm for Gottlieb's appointment, highlighting his reputation as an innovative revenue generator and emphasizing his capacity to build sustainable financial models, improve fan engagement, and forge strategic partnerships. This strategic alignment of White and Gottlieb, both recognized for their fundraising prowess, signals Virginia Tech's renewed dedication to competitive athletic funding within the ACC, a commitment exemplified by the recent hiring of head football coach James Franklin, indicating a transformative period for the institution's sports programs.
This new era at Virginia Tech, characterized by bold leadership and strategic appointments, is set to propel the athletics program to new heights. The emphasis on innovative revenue generation and a commitment to excellence reflects a forward-thinking approach that will undoubtedly foster a culture of achievement and sustained growth, inspiring both the university community and its dedicated fanbase.
