Mark Johnson, Chairman of the ABCA Board of Directors, announced that Craig Keilitz, Vice President for Athletics, at High Point University, has been named as the Association’s new Executive Director.
Keilitz is a member of the prestigious NCAA Championship/Sports Management Cabinet and is chair of the Big South Council of Athletic Directors. He also serves on the Big South Baseball Committee, as well as the Big South Committees for Championships, Television Development and Compliance and Eligibility. He has served at High Point University since 2008.
Prior to High Point, Keilitz was the Associate Athletic Director at Wake Forest University from 1996-2008, where he oversaw many areas of the athletic department, including the baseball program.
From 1992-1996, he served as Director of Compliance at the University of Michigan after his one year internship with the Florida State University athletic program.
Keilitz will assume the Executive Director position on July 1, 2014, replacing Dave Keilitz, who is retiring after twenty years as Executive Director.
COMMENTS ON CRAIG KEILITZ JOINING THE ABCA
“We are very excited about the opportunity to hire a man with Craig’s experience and attributes. He will continue our excellent history of extraordinary leadership in our Executive Director position.”
Mark Johnson, Chairman of the ABCA Board of Directors
“Craig is an outstanding person to replace Dave. He is extremely organized, an excellent people person, will make good decisions, is energetic and is well connected with amateur and professional baseball people. He is a great leader and will be a perfect fit for the ABCA.”
Ron Wellman, Director of Athletics at Wake Forest University and former chair of the NCAA Division I Baseball Committee
“Craig is the ideal fit for the ABCA in so many ways. He is a very talented person who has the motor, care level, vision and character to continue the growth of our organization. His leadership skills are very natural and engaging. I am very excited for the ABCA and Craig personally, as I know that he will immerse himself in this great opportunity.”
Tim Corbin, Baseball Coach at Vanderbilt and 2013 President of the ABCA
“Congratulations to the American Baseball Coaches Association for selecting Craig Keilitz as its new Executive Director. Craig is one of the most competent, young athletic administrators in college athletics and he will serve the ABCA well. His understanding and appreciation for the coaching profession, as well as his knowledge of the NCAA governance system, will be extremely beneficial to the sport of college baseball in the future.”
Dennis Poppe, Retired NCAA Vice President for Baseball and Football
“Major League Baseball is honored to send our best wishes to Craig Keilitz as the new Executive Director of the American Baseball Coaches Association. We look forward to continuing our close relationship with the ABCA under Craig’s leadership and guidance. We wholeheartedly support the ABCA’s mission of promoting our game from its very foundations. We wish Craig and everyone with the ABCA the best of luck during this smooth transition and a great era for the game we share.
Roy Krasik, Senior Director, Major League Baseball Operations
“Craig Keilitz has both the skills and the experience to be a tremendous leader and asset to the ABCA. I am excited at the prospect of Craig working closely with Division I coaches and administrators to advance the college baseball experience for our student-athletes and coaches.
Steve Smith, Baseball Coach at Baylor and 2008 President of the ABCA
“The ABCA has just gained a progressive and insightful leader in Craig Keilitz. With intercollegiate athletics being in such a dynamic state, he is the perfect person to lead the Association into the future. The Big South Conference will miss him, but we are glad that college baseball is in such good hands.”
Kyle Kallander, Commissioner of the Big South Conference and former chairman of the NCAA Division I Baseball Committee
“I have known Craig Keilitz for years and followed his career closely. I have great confidence that Craig will provide exceptional leadership on behalf of the ABCA as it works with the NCAA to advance the great game of college baseball.”
Kevin Lennon, NCAA Vice President of Academic and Membership Affairs