Pollard Earns National 'Forty Under 40' Award
November 11, 2003 | General News
Jamie Pollard, the No. 2 ranking official in the University of Wisconsin Division Of Intercollegiate Athletics, has received a prestigious "Forty Under 40" award by Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal. The announcement was made today by the magazine.
Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal has honored 40 of the most dynamic executives in the sports industry annually since 1999. Pollard, who was named Deputy Athletic Director for the UW in July, is the first ever college sports administrator ever honored. He will be recognized at a dinner in New York Friday.
"In a very short period of time, Jamie has distinguished himself as one of the top sports administrators nationally with his vision, creative problem solving skills and tireless efforts," says Athletic Director designee Barry Alvarez. "I could not be more proud of Jamie and the work he's done on behalf of Badger Athletics. This type of distinction has been long overdue for a collegiate administrator, and it's a great credit to the UW and Jamie that he is the first recipient."
Among the past winners of this award are: Pittsburgh Penguin's owner Mario Lemieux, former Milwaukee Brewers CEO Wendy Selig-Prieb, Washington Redskin's owner Daniel Snyder, NBA basketball legend Michael Jordan, General Managers Billy Beane (Oakland A's) and Brian Cashman (New York Yankees), Turner Sports president Mark Lazarus, ESPN vice-president Mark Shapiro and Anheuser-Busch vice-president August Busch IV.
"I am truly overwhelmed by this wonderful honor," says Pollard, who is responsible for the overall administration of the Badger's 23-sport, $52 million athletic department. "Many people have been instrumental in helping me during my career. I'm grateful for the opportunities that have been given to me, and that motivates me to help others pursue their athletic and academic dreams. Although this is a personal honor, I am equally pleased that it distinguishes the Wisconsin Athletic Department as well. Our institution's commitment to excellence in all areas has given our coaches and staff the resources to achieve at the highest levels."
Prior to being name Deputy Athletic Director, Pollard served as the division's Chief Financial Officer and Senior Associate Athletic Director. He developed a comprehensive strategic financial plan (Keeping Big Red in the Black) that increased the division's operating reserve to more than $6 million and allowed the university to move forward on the $83 million renovation of Camp Randall Stadium.
"Jamie has quickly established a strong reputation in national college sports circles," says Wisconsin Director of Athletics Pat Richter. "He did a terrific job in assembling a prudent financial plan for our Division several years ago. Jamie's passion for the job and his strong decision-making skills are assets that will continue to pay dividends for the Athletic Department in the future.
Pollard has also been the sports administrator for the men's and women's basketball programs since 2001-02. During that time the men's basketball program won back-to-back Big Ten championships. He also served as the Tournament Manager when the university played host to the 2002 NCAA Men's Basketball Midwest Regional.
Pollard currently serves as the second vice president for the Collegiate Athletic Business Managers Association (CABMA) and was chosen by his peers as the 2002 Business Manager of the Year.
His other intercollegiate administration experience came as Associate Athletic Director for Administration at Maryland (1994-98) and Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations at St. Louis (1989-94).
In addition to his role at Wisconsin, Pollard also founded Collegiate Financial Services, LLC, a private data research company that provides strategic financial planning and research services to athletic administrators, university presidents and conference commissioners. The company was founded in 1999 and now serves 200 organizations on an annual basis.
Pollard, who was the 1987 NCAA Division III national champion in the 5,000-meter run and a two time Division III All-American, has a B.S. degree in business administration from UW-Oshkosh (1987). He is in that school's athletic hall of fame. Pollard and his wife, Ellen, have four children, (Thomas, Annie, Maggie and James).
