What they're saying about Chris McIntosh ...

McIntosh named Director of Athletics

June 2, 2021

Chris McIntosh, University of Wisconsin–Madison deputy athletic director and a decorated student-athlete who captained two of the most celebrated teams in Badgers history, has been named to the post of director of athletics, Chancellor Rebecca Blank announced on Wednesday. 

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Barry Alvarez

Current Wisconsin Director of Athletics

“I am thrilled to know that Chris McIntosh will be the Wisconsin Director of Athletics starting July 1. Mac has been an essential part of my staff for several years. In particular, his leadership and intelligence were critical in helping our department navigate the various challenges of the past 15 months. Those same qualities will serve him well on into the future. 

I have known Mac since he was a teenager when he joined our football program. I am extremely proud of what he has accomplished in his life. He epitomizes the transformational power of the student-athlete experience at Wisconsin. He loves the Badgers and will put everything he has into building upon the foundation that has been established in our department. I congratulate Mac and his family and wish them every success as they embark upon this new journey.”

Paul Chryst

Wisconsin football head coach

“Since I came back to Wisconsin, it’s been terrific to work closely with Mac. He has helped our program tremendously in a number of different ways. He is truly in this for the good of Wisconsin Athletics and the good of our student-athletes. 

That is what drives him every day. I also appreciate his forward thinking and his ability to find creative solutions to potential issues. I am excited about this opportunity for him and for the impact he will have on our department as a whole.”

Kevin Warren

Commissioner, Big Ten Conference

“Chris McIntosh is an excellent choice to serve as the Athletics Director at the University of Wisconsin. Growing up in Pewaukee, being a successful Badger student-athlete, playing in the National Football League, and learning the vital elements of intercollegiate athletics under Barry Alvarez, provides Chris with the necessary foundation to succeed.”

Gene Smith

Ohio State Director of Athletics

“Chris is an excellent hire, and is uniquely prepared to lead the University of Wisconsin Athletic department. He has the highest of integrity, knows the culture of Badger athletics, is respected by his peers in the Big Ten conference as a result of his participation in past meetings, and will bring the former student athlete experience to his leadership style, which I feel is invaluable. 

Chancellor Blank made an outstanding hire.”

Greg Gard

Head Coach, Wisconsin men's basketball

“I’m really happy for Chris and his family. He’s done a phenomenal job in his time here and really helped guide us through this pandemic in a professional and thoughtful way. His leadership skills were put to the test over the last 18 months and I thought he did an exceptional job handling a difficult situation. As someone who knows a little about stepping into the shoes of a predecessor who had an incredible impact, I have every bit of confidence Chris will thrive. He’s Wisconsin through and through and embodies what it means to be a Badger. He knows the ingredients that make Wisconsin successful and we’re in great hands.”

Dan Kelly

Chief Financial Officer, American Family Insurance

“I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Chris and work with him over the past 5 years in conjunction with the UW/AmFam partnership. He is not only excellent to collaborate with, but is a good thought partner as well. He has been instrumental in advancing the partnership and working through obstacles as they arise. 

I think Chris has the mindset, agility and drive to help modernize UW Athletics, deploying sophisticated techniques and new approaches to best practices where appropriate. At the same time, his knowledge of UW, understanding of its current structural constraints, and appreciation of its legacy is of great benefit as well.”

Kalvin Barrett

Dane County Sheriff, Wisconsin football letterwinner (2001-04)

“I am thrilled and proud to see a friend and fellow Badger, Chris McIntosh, as the next athletic director for the University of Wisconsin. Chris is smart, hardworking, qualified and most importantly, a great person. Chris represents every aspect of what it means to be a Wisconsin Badger and I endorse his selection. On, Wisconsin!”

Marisa Moseley

Head Coach, Wisconsin women's basketball

“I am excited for the announcement of Chris McIntosh as our next AD! In the short time I have been a Badger, Mac and I have had many in-depth conversations about the future of this department and where we are headed. I am confident with his leadership, we will continue to achieve great things! “

Kelly Sheffield

Head Coach, Wisconsin volleyball

“It’s a great day for Wisconsin Athletics! Our department is in excellent hands with Chris, who knows and loves this University. There is great balance with him — he knows what works here and is also forward-thinking and will be able to lead Wisconsin Athletics into the future.”

Jason Ilstrup

President, Downtown Madison Inc.

“The success of Badger Athletics is extremely important to economic development and the quality of life for our downtown and entire community. Chris McIntosh is the ideal candidate to continue the success of UW athletics and take it to the next level with his innovation, creativity and inclusive mindset. He is going to be able to make Badger Athletics an even more vibrant and welcoming environment for all, and our entire community will be better for it.”

Mark Johnson

Head Coach, Wisconsin women's hockey

“I personally want to congratulate Chris McIntosh on being named our new athletic director here at Wisconsin. I’m really excited for Mac, his family and what lies ahead for our athletic department. It’s a great day to be a Badger!"

Tony Granato

Head Coach, Wisconsin men's hockey

"I am a huge supporter of Chris McIntosh and what he has done for our athletic department over the past several years. I am so excited that he will be our new athletics director and lead us in the future. If there’s anyone who can carry on Barry’s legacy, it’s Chris. He has learned from Coach and understands what Wisconsin Athletics is all about. Chris, along with Barry and the rest of the administration, have done a phenomenal job making tough decisions during COVID to give our student-athletes a chance to compete and that makes me excited for the future of Badger athletics. Congratulations, Chris!"

Kevin Conroy

Chairman and CEO, Exact Sciences

“Chris McIntosh is the right pick to be the new University of Wisconsin athletic director. Chris understands both the University and our community. We look forward to continued work with him to build teams and programs that produce wins for the Badger state on and off the field.”

Lee Evans

Wisconsin Football Letterwinner (1999-2003)

"I think it's fantastic. It continues the legacy of Coach Alvarez. Mac was coached by Coach Alvarez and has that competitive spirit like Coach Alvarez, but Chris is his own man and has carved out his own legacy in the sports world. Bigger than that, he really continues the familiarity of the program. People know who we are, former players know who we are, and Chris will continue that. I think it will be fantastic for Chris to step into this role and put his own imprint on it. He was a great teammate in college and now having come back and given his energy and his time to this place, he's a great choice to lead the department into the future."

Chris Orr

Wisconsin Football Letterwinner (2015-19)

"I'm truly excited about Mac being named the AD. I think he brings a unique perspective to the job from being a player and going on to play professionally, and then coming back to the administrative side and staying true to the things that make Wisconsin so great. What's exciting is that I know he'll stay true to those things, but also continuously keep pushing us forward. It's motivating for me as someone who also played football here, also got a master's degree in the same program (educational leadership and policy analysis) and also wants to work in athletics when my pro football career is over to see Mac take this step. I would love to follow in Mac's footsteps as the AD at Wisconsin one day."

Ann Sheehy, MD, MS

Associate Professor of Medicine and UW Faculty Athletics Representative

“I have had the privilege of working with Chris McIntosh as a member of the UW Athletic Board and as Faculty Athletics Representative for the past several years, but it is Mac’s leadership, collaboration and focus on student-athlete well-being and safety in the COVID-19 pandemic that has really stood out. This is the kind of work the public might not see or know about, but it is exactly the sort of work that makes Chris McIntosh a great choice for AD.”

Kristen Roman

Chief, UW-Madison Police Department, Wisconsin Volleyball Letterwinner (1984-87)

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Chris over the years, and we feel incredibly fortunate to be able to continue that relationship as he transitions into this new leadership role. Chris is a great partner who is deeply committed to our student-athletes and our entire Badger community. I’m proud of his willingness to tackle critical issues of the day and thankful for his collaborative efforts to promote safety for our athletes, spectators and sporting venues. From one UW student-athlete alum to another, congratulations Chris!”

Peter Feigin

President, Milwaukee Bucks

“We have worked on various initiatives with Chris for several years and we are big fans of his. Chris’ professionalism, passion and collaboration are beyond reproach. We are thrilled that he has earned this opportunity and that he will continue to successfully lead UW Athletics into the future. Go Badgers!”