New Brunswick, N.J. -- Rutgers University has officially named Keli Zinn as its new athletic director, marking a significant step forward for the Scarlet Knights' athletic department. Zinn, who previously served as deputy athletic director and chief operating officer at LSU since 2022, will assume her new role on August 6. Her appointment fills a critical leadership gap that has persisted for over a year.

Zinn’s career spans multiple prestigious institutions, including West Virginia, Maryland, and the Big East Conference. Her extensive experience in athletic administration positions her as a transformative leader for Rutgers, which oversees 24 men’s and women’s varsity sports.

William F. Tate IV, Rutgers’ president, expressed confidence in Zinn’s ability to drive the university’s athletic programs to new heights. "Keli Zinn brings the strategic drive, operational excellence, and championship pedigree we need right now for Rutgers Athletics," Tate said. "Her leadership style resonates deeply with Rutgers' mission -- competitiveness on the field, integrity in our practices, and excellence in the student-athlete experience. She will guide Rutgers into a new era, with forward-looking leadership, tapping into the Rutgers Edge."

A New Era for Rutgers Athletics

Rutgers has been without a full-time athletic director since Pat Hobbs resigned abruptly in August 2024, citing health reasons. An investigation later revealed an improper relationship between Hobbs and a gymnastics coach, further complicating the department’s leadership landscape. Interim AD Ryan Pisarri and acting AD Matthew Colagiovanni held the position temporarily until Zinn’s appointment.

Zinn’s five-year contract, approved by the Rutgers Board of Governors, includes a starting salary of $1.35 million, with annual increases of $50,000. Additionally, she will receive a $150,000 retention bonus every two years, underscoring the university’s commitment to her long-term leadership.

Priorities and Challenges

One of Zinn’s immediate priorities will be to strengthen Rutgers’ Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program, which has struggled to compete with other high-profile institutions. The Scarlet Knights have faced challenges in generating significant NIL revenue, particularly in revenue-generating sports like football and basketball.

"Raising revenue is absolutely a necessity and critical for our success," Zinn emphasized. "We need to identify new streams and capitalize on existing ones while ensuring traditional fundraising efforts and university capital projects thrive together."

Before her tenure at LSU, Zinn spent over a decade at West Virginia, where she served as deputy athletic director from 2016 to 2022. Her career also includes roles at Maryland and the Big East Conference, where she honed her expertise in compliance and athletic administration.

Looking Ahead

Zinn’s appointment signals a renewed focus on elevating Rutgers’ athletic programs to national prominence. Her strategic vision and operational expertise are expected to drive significant improvements in both competitive performance and student-athlete development. As the Scarlet Knights prepare for the upcoming NCAAF season, Zinn’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of Rutgers Athletics.