{"id":217193,"date":"2025-06-05T08:01:08","date_gmt":"2025-06-05T18:01:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=217193"},"modified":"2025-06-16T10:45:36","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T20:45:36","slug":"matt-elliott-uh-manoa-athletics-director","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2025\/06\/05\/matt-elliott-uh-manoa-athletics-director\/","title":{"rendered":"Matt Elliott selected as the next UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa athletics director"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 6<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>
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Matt Elliott<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Matt Elliott has been selected by University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> President Wendy Hensel to serve as the next athletics director for UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa, following an extensive national search. The appointment is subject to approval by the UH<\/abbr> Board of Regents at a special meeting that is expected to take place on June 16. June 16 Editor’s Note<\/strong>: Elliot’s appointment was unanimously approved by the BOR.<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m excited to welcome Matt, with his extensive experience in Division I<\/abbr> athletics and strong roots in Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>, to the UH<\/abbr> ʻohana<\/span>,” said Hensel. “Our student-athletes, coaches, staff and dedicated fans will find Matt to be an exceptional leader with the passion and expertise to elevate UH<\/abbr> athletics and guide us through the complex challenges facing collegiate sports today.”<\/p>\n

Related: Local leaders offer perspectives on Matt Elliott\u2019s appointment as UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa AD<\/abbr><\/a>, June 2025<\/span>\t<\/p>\n

Elliott brings to UH<\/abbr> 13 years of experience in athletics administration at UCLA<\/abbr>. Most recently, he served as the Bruins\u2019 Chief Strategy Officer from 2022 to 2024, where he led the department\u2019s transition from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten Conference and oversaw the creation of a comprehensive five-year strategic plan. Prior to that, as Senior Associate Athletics Director, his overall scope of work included sport oversight, legal affairs, NIL<\/abbr> policy, government relations, head coach searches, compliance and supervision of athletic performance and sports medicine. To significantly increase post-graduate opportunities for student-athletes, Elliott successfully partnered with the UCLA<\/abbr> School of Education & Information Studies to create a Master\u2019s program in Transformative Coaching and Leadership. He was also part of the team that negotiated a $280 million shoe and apparel deal, the largest in college athletics history.<\/p>\n

Elliott and his ʻohana<\/span> moved back to Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> in 2022, and since 2024 he has served as the Senior Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Community Foundation (HCF<\/abbr>), leading advocacy strategies and working closely with state and local leaders during the last legislative session.<\/p>\n

“I am honored to join UH<\/abbr> at such a pivotal time in college athletics, and I want to thank President Hensel and the selection committee for their dedication, thoughtful leadership and the trust they\u2019ve placed in me,” said Elliott. “I am committed to leading a program that reflects the pride and excellence of our local community. It will be a privilege to partner with our student-athletes, coaches and fans to chart an ambitious and unified path forward.”<\/p>\n

Elliott is originally from Framingham, Massachusetts. He holds a BA<\/abbr> from Amherst College, where he competed on the varsity crew team, and earned his JD<\/abbr> with honors from Northwestern University School of Law. After law school, he moved to Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> in 2005 to clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Alan C. Kay. While here, he met his wife, Allison, who was born and raised in Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> and graduated from Punahou School and Occidental College. This marked the beginning of nearly two decades of connection to the islands.<\/p>\n

“Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> holds a truly special place in our hearts, and it was important to us to raise our son here,” said Elliott. “This is home for our family, and it is inspiring to serve a place and a community we love so much. I\u2019ve followed the UH<\/abbr> program closely throughout my time at UCLA<\/abbr> and HCF<\/abbr>, and have always admired the passion of the fans. The Rainbows have one of the most loyal followings in the country, and UH<\/abbr> teams represent the very best of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>.”<\/p>\n

If approved by the Board of Regents, Elliott is scheduled to begin his appointment no later than July 1, with a base salary of $425,004 and additional performance-based incentives.<\/p>\n

Editor’s Note<\/strong>: Elliot’s first day will be June 30.<\/p>\n

Comprehensive nationwide search<\/h2>\n

The official search for a new athletics director began in early April and was led by a 10-member search committee<\/a> co-chaired by UH<\/abbr> Board of Regents Chair Gabriel Lee and Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation Chair Jack Tsui. The committee partnered with Parker Executive Search, a nationally recognized firm, to promote the position, evaluate applicants, and assist with the vetting process. While not a requirement, the committee identified a personal or professional connection to Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> as a highly desirable attribute.<\/p>\n

“This was the most engaged, thoughtful and well-rounded search committee I\u2019ve ever worked with at the university,” said Jack Tsui, co-chair of the search committee. “We had excellent support from Parker Executive Search and deeply appreciated President Hensel\u2019s active involvement throughout. We prioritized Division I experience, fundraising ability and local ties, and I\u2019m confident we\u2019ve selected a leader who truly understands UH<\/abbr>, the values it represents, and has the leadership skills to lead us in a rapidly changing environment.”<\/p>\n

The position attracted significant national interest, with more than 110 applications submitted. Nearly half of the applicants met the minimum qualifications.<\/p>\n

“UH<\/abbr>\u2019s brand drew top-tier interest, something you don\u2019t always see in other parts of the country, and we were fortunate to attract an exceptional pool of candidates, many with strong local ties,” said Tsui.<\/p>\n

From that pool of qualified candidates, the committee identified 10 semifinalists who were interviewed by both the committee and Hensel. Four finalists advanced to the final stage, which included meetings with the committee, an advisory group that included a student-athlete, coaches, faculty, staff and administrators, and one-on-one interviews with Hensel.<\/p>\n

\u200b\u200b“I thought the process was extremely thoughtful and thorough, and the committee members were all deeply committed to finding the best possible athletic director for UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa,” said search committee member Artie Wilson, a former UH<\/abbr> men\u2019s basketball player, Spectrum Sports analyst, co-founder of the UH<\/abbr> Letterwinners Club, and founder of Artie Wilson & Associates. “The search firm was also very professional and helpful throughout the process. With the support from all the university communities I believe Matt can lead us to achieve great success in all sports. I’m excited to do my part to assist him along this journey.”<\/p>\n

The finalists also met with Governor Josh Green and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi as part of the final evaluation process.<\/p>\n

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved, especially the search committee for its commitment and thoughtful work in identifying strong candidates for this critical role,” said Hensel. “Their deep dedication to UH<\/abbr> Athletics and to Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> was evident throughout the process, and their insight and collaboration were instrumental in reaching this outcome.”<\/p>\n

What they are saying about Matt Elliott<\/h2>\n

Micah K\u0101ne—Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Community Foundation President & CEO<\/abbr><\/strong><\/p>\n

“Matt is one of the strongest leaders I\u2019ve had the pleasure of working with. He has a rare ability to take on complex challenges, distill them to the essentials and bring people together around a common solution. In a short time at Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Community Foundation, he\u2019s made a lasting impact on work that will continue well beyond his tenure. I have complete confidence that he\u2019ll bring a collaborative, values-driven culture to UH<\/abbr> Athletics. On top of that, he\u2019s simply a joy to work with. Once you get to know Matt, you just want to be part of what he\u2019s building.”<\/p>\n

Martin Jarmond—The Alice and Nahum Lainer Family UCLA<\/abbr> Director of Athletics<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Matt was critical to our success during his time at UCLA<\/abbr>, and he left a lasting impact on this department. Our transition to the Big Ten was a smooth one in large part due to Matt\u2019s efforts. He led our department through the buildout of a comprehensive strategic plan, and we all benefited from his thoughtful analysis and attention to detail. During times of uncertainty and change, he displayed poise, knowledge and leadership, and always remained focused on the student-athletes\u2019 best interests. There is no one better to lead Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Athletics into a new era in the Mountain West Conference than Matt Elliott.”<\/p>\n

Dan Guerrero—UCLA<\/abbr> Director of Athletics (2002–2020)<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Having worked closely with Matt Elliott, I can say with complete confidence that the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> is gaining not just an exceptional leader, but an exceptional person. He is a gifted administrator—smart, strategic, passionate, and laser-focused on doing what\u2019s best for student-athletes. His vision, integrity, competitive spirit, and deep respect for the university make him the right person at the right time, especially in light of the changing landscape in intercollegiate athletics. He will be a tremendous asset to President Hensel, the university community, and the people of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> in so many ways, but most importantly by building authentic relationships with the many stakeholders that touch Â鶹´«Ã½Athletics”<\/p>\n

Kelly Inouye-Perez—The Shelly Carlin UCLA<\/abbr> Head Softball Coach<\/strong><\/p>\n

“For over a decade, Matt brought an immense amount of dedication and strategic growth to UCLA<\/abbr> Athletics. Matt did an outstanding job guiding our student-athletes through a time of tremendous change. He was in lockstep with UCLA<\/abbr> leadership and coaching staff as we navigated our seamless transition into the Big Ten Conference, which has already been a huge success for our university. I am extremely grateful for his passion and support of UCLA<\/abbr> Softball, and I can\u2019t wait to watch him succeed in his next endeavor with Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Athletics! Aloha, Matt!”<\/p>\n

DeShaun Foster—UCLA<\/abbr> Head Football Coach<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Matt Elliott has been a constant during my coaching career at UCLA<\/abbr>. Through all of the changes our sport has seen over those years, he has always been a step ahead and ready for the next move. He is intelligent and brings an enthusiasm to his work that will make Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> proud. I am excited for Matt to receive this well-earned opportunity.”<\/p>\n

John Speraw—USA<\/abbr> Volleyball President and CEO<\/abbr>, former head coach of both the U.S. men’s national volleyball team and UCLA<\/abbr> men’s volleyball team<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Matt Elliott is a man I trust. During our years working together, I could walk into his office, often unannounced, and find someone ready to listen and tackle the most complex challenges. He is calm, thoughtful, and always honest. I knew he would tell me the truth. When Matt called to share that he had an opportunity at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>, my immediate thought was, ‘They\u2019d better hire him.’ And they did. You\u2019ve hired one of the finest administrators I\u2019ve ever had the privilege to work alongside.”<\/p>\n

UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa athletics<\/h2>\n

The University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> at M\u0101noa athletics program is an NCAA<\/abbr> Division I<\/abbr> program comprising 21 men\u2019s, women\u2019s and coed teams and supporting more than 450 student-athletes. The program has an annual operating budget of approximately $50 million with more than 125 full-time coaches and staff and 250 student assistants and volunteers.<\/p>\n

The Rainbow Warriors and Rainbow W\u0101hine currently compete primarily in the Big West Conference, with the football team competing in the Mountain West since 2012. Beginning July 1, 2026, UH<\/abbr> will join the Mountain West as a full member across almost all sports.<\/p>\n

Elliott replaces Craig Angelos, who departed UH<\/abbr> in December 2024. Lois Manin, associate athletic director, has been serving as acting AD<\/abbr> during the transition.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Elliott brings to UH<\/abbr> 13 years of experience in athletics administration at UCLA<\/abbr>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":217195,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1362],"tags":[58,714,9,550],"class_list":["post-217193","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-athletics","tag-athletics","tag-student-athlete","tag-uh-manoa","tag-manoa-athletics","entry","has-media"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/manoa-athletics-matt-elliott.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/217193","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=217193"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/217193\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":217484,"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/217193\/revisions\/217484"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/217195"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=217193"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=217193"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=217193"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}