Manuel Announces Staff Changes and Promotions
BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo Director of Athletics Warde Manuel has announced several promotions within the Athletic Department and the departure of a senior staff member.
Christina Hernandez, who has served as Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations has accepted the position of Senior Associate Vice Provost for Administration and Finance in UB’s Undergraduate Education department.
“It is with sadness for the UB Athletic Department and much happiness for Christina that I make this announcement,” said Manuel. “Everyone in our department joins me in thanking Christina for her great and valuable service to UB Athletics while wishing her all the best in her new role on campus.”
In the wake of Hernandez’ departure, Manuel announced that several athletic department members have received promotions while assuming expanded roles. Associate Athletic Director Doug Gnodtke has been named Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations, including business operations, human resources, capital projects, facilities and game operations. Gnodtke will continue to work as the administrator for football, sports performance, and sports medicine.
Donald Reed has been promoted to Senior Associate Athletic Director. On top of his duties as Director of Athlete Academic Services and Student-Athlete Development and sport supervisor for men’s and women’s cross country and track and field, he will now become sports supervisor of baseball while overseeing UB’s NCAA certification process.
Paul Vecchio has also been promoted to Senior Associate Athletic Director. He will add supervision of UB’s Information Technology area to his duties overseeing UB’s Communications Office, Recreation and Intramurals, Sport Administrator group and the Bulls’ wrestling and men’s and women’s tennis teams.
Anucha Browne-Sanders, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Marketing and Promotions & Senior Women’s Administrator, will oversee day-to-day operations of the men’s basketball program on top of her administrative responsibilities for marketing, ticketing, corporate sponsorship, women’s basketball, softball, and volleyball.
Lastly, Larissa Kowalczyk, formerly Assistant Director for Business Operations, has been promoted to Assistant Athletic Director of Business Operations and will manage the day-to-day business operations.
“Each of those that have received promotions have earned them through their outstanding dedication to excellence within our Athletic Department,” said Manuel. “I thank them for the work they have done to bring our department great success over these past several years and look forward working with them to help us achieve greater success both in the classroom and on the fields of play.”