Dr. Brian D. Wickstrom — Athletics Director | Executive Leader | Fundraising Strategist

For more than two decades, I have dedicated my career to strengthening athletic departments, elevating student-athlete success, building donor trust, and driving transformational fundraising outcomes. My leadership experience spans NCAA Division I institutions, multi-million-dollar athletic programs, major facility expansions, external relations, and high-impact advancement work that has reshaped the trajectory of the organizations I’ve served.

As an Athletics Director, Chief Administrative Officer, and senior executive in both higher education and the private sector, I have built a reputation for strategic vision, donor-centered leadership, operational discipline, and authentic relationship-building. I specialize in rebuilding cultures, accelerating revenue growth, and creating systems that empower coaches, staff, and student-athletes to thrive.

Read my latest leadership article: Why Integrity, Transparency, and Long-Term Leadership Still Matter Going Into 2026. Click this link: https://www.dr-brian-wickstrom.com/articles/integrity-transparency-long-term-leadership-2026

A Leadership Approach Grounded in Research and Real-World Results

My doctoral dissertation at Eastern Michigan University focused on one of the most important dynamics in college athletics:
What leadership characteristics and behaviors do donors value most in an Athletics Director?

That research led to insights I have applied throughout my career:

• Donors support leaders who communicate transparently and authentically.

• Trust is the foundation of sustainable fundraising success.

• Relationship-driven leadership outperforms transactional fundraising.

• Strategic communication and consistent visibility strengthen engagement.

These principles helped fuel many of the achievements across my career, including:

• Record-breaking fundraising years across multiple institutions

• Facility expansion and modernization projects

• Historic naming gifts and capital campaign leadership

• Enhanced alumni engagement and community partnerships

• Improved NIL education, branding, and external operations

• Rebuilding internal culture and coaching support systems

Proven Success Across NCAA Division I Programs

My leadership background includes executive roles at:

• University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) – Hispanic-Serving Institution with a passionate alumni base and regional impact

• University of Louisiana–Monroe (ULM)

• Jacksonville State University

• Santa Clara University

• University of New Mexico

Throughout each role, my focus remained the same:
Build a championship culture, strengthen donor confidence, and position the athletic department for long-term success.

Fundraising & Advancement Excellence

I have led or contributed to:

• Multi-million dollar capital campaigns

• Major gifts, planned giving, and annual fund growth

• Stadium, locker room, and training facility renovations

• Corporate partnerships and third-party revenue generation

• Community engagement initiatives that elevate brand visibility

My approach blends data-driven analysis, donor psychology, storytelling, and strategic communications—supported by the academic research I conducted on Athletics Director leadership.

Building Stronger Programs, Stronger Communities, and Stronger Student-Athletes

Athletics has the power to transform lives. I believe in developing programs that emphasize:

• Academic achievement

• Leadership development

• Inclusive excellence

• Health and performance innovation

• Financial sustainability

• Student-athlete experience

Whether guiding coaches, collaborating with university leadership, or engaging donors, my focus is always long-term program strength.

Current Executive Leadership

In addition to my higher-education background, I currently serve as Chief Administrative Officer at Parking Company of America in Los Angeles—driving organizational performance, strategic operations, revenue systems, and major contract development for a 60-million-dollar company.

This executive operational experience further strengthens my ability to lead a modern athletic department with discipline, innovation, and financial clarity.

A Commitment to Service and Integrity

My leadership philosophy is simple:
People come first. Trust is earned daily. Communication must always be honest.

I believe student-athletes, staff, alumni, and donors deserve consistent transparency, accessibility, and a leader who genuinely listens.

Let’s Connect

Whether you're seeking leadership insights, exploring opportunities, or building stronger athletic programs, I welcome the conversation.

Contact me → Click Here