Julie Bright Position: Senior Associate Director of Athletics Institution: Iowa State University

Courtesy of Iowa State University

Julie Bright, a nationally honored administrator with more than 30 years of intercollegiate athletics experience, was named Senior Associate Athletics Director for Administration in 2006. She serves as the athletics department's Chief Financial Officer and oversees business services, human resources, equipment services and technical services.

Much of Bright's tenure came at the University of Northern Iowa where she rose to the department's No. 2 administrative position. Bright supervised the business, ticket, marketing, compliance and media relations offices for the Panthers, and she had administrative responsibility for 18 Division IA programs. Her steady climb at Northern Iowa included stints as Associate A.D. for Business and Licensing (1998-2002), Athletics Business Manager (1985-98) and UNI-Dome Business Manager (1976-85) prior to her appointment as Senior Associate A.D. and Senior Woman Administrator.

Bright developed the department's plans for continued fiscal and operational support, was the administrative liaison for women's sports and negotiated numerous contracts for competitions, network broadcasts and facility usage. She had a key role in the planning and financing of the McLeod Center, coordinated post-season travel for several teams and helped usher in women's soccer. She registered institutional and athletic trademarks, which continue to provide substantial royalties.

In her various capacities, Bright has served as President of the College Athletic Business Managers Association (2001-02) and the Association of College Licensing Administrators (1999-2000). She was presented a 2002 Staff Excellence Award by the Board of Regents, was Manager of the Year by CABMA in 2001 and earned a Gold Star Award from ACLA in 2001.

Bright earned a B.A. degree in business from Northern Iowa in 1975. She and her husband, Dave, have two children.