SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Katie Benoit, an accomplished collegiate athletics administrator with more than 15 years of experience in athletic leadership, student-athlete development, fundraising, compliance, and strategic planning, has been named director of athletics at Skidmore College, vice president for student affairs Adrian Bautista announced Monday.
 
Benoit (pronounced ben-WAH) currently serves as deputy athletic director and senior woman administrator (SWA) at American University (AU), where she oversees the day-to-day operations of a Division I athletics department that includes more than 70 full-time staff members and approximately 300 student-athletes. In her role, she provides leadership for sports medicine, strength and conditioning, compliance, and business operations while serving as a key member of university-wide strategic initiatives.

"Following an incredibly competitive national search, conducted with assistance from Kelly Brooks, athletic practice leader at Spelman Johnson, and an outstanding search committee, Katie emerged as an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to student-athlete, coach, and staff development; a strong track record in day-to-day athletic operations; and a clear passion for the educational values that define intercollegiate athletics at Skidmore," said Bautista. "Katie's broad experience, collaborative leadership style, and clear vision for the future make her the ideal person to lead our athletics program and build on the strong foundation established by our coaches, staff, and student-athletes." 

At AU, Benoit has served in multiple senior leadership roles since 2022 when she began her second stint at American as the associate athletics director for student-athlete well-being. Promoted to SWA in 2023 and deputy athletics director in 2024, she serves on the Patriot League Leadership Council and chairs the league's Sport Management and Senior Woman Administrator committees. In 2025, Benoit helped bring the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics to American for a symposium on the educational value of athletics, and hosted the event alongside University President Jonathan Alger. Her leadership experience also includes six years as associate athletic director and SWA at Western Colorado University, where she oversaw revenue generation, compliance, strategic planning initiatives, facility projects, and student-athlete programming.
 
"I am honored and excited to join the Skidmore community," Benoit said. "Throughout the search process, I was inspired by the College's commitment to academic excellence, student development, and creating a meaningful educational experience through athletics. Skidmore's values align closely with my own, and I look forward to working alongside our coaches, staff, student-athletes, alumni, and campus partners to build upon the department's tradition of success while fostering an environment where every student-athlete can thrive.
 
"I am grateful to Vice President Bautista, President Marc Conner, and the members of the search committee for their confidence in me and for the warm welcome they have extended throughout this process," Benoit said. "I look forward to joining the Skidmore community, listening and learning from its students, coaches, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters, and working together to build upon the College's strong tradition of excellence."
 
Nationally recognized for her leadership and commitment to student-athlete success, Benoit is a graduate of the NCAA Pathway Program. Throughout her career, she has championed initiatives focused on student-athlete well-being, inclusive excellence, strategic planning, and sustainable growth within collegiate athletics.
 
As director of athletics, Benoit will provide strategic leadership for Skidmore's athletics, fitness, and recreation programs while advancing the College's mission of academic excellence and student development. Working collaboratively with coaches, student-athletes, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters, she will oversee efforts to strengthen the student-athlete experience, foster a culture of belonging and well-being, support competitive success, and further position Skidmore Athletics as an integral part of the College community.
 
Benoit succeeds Gail Cummings-Danson, who is retiring after over two decades of outstanding leadership and service to the Skidmore community. Benoit will assume her duties at Skidmore on Aug. 4.