What they’re saying about Gillespie appointment
“Mary Ellen Gillespie (MEG) is a talented senior leader who will make an immediate impact for Green Bay athletics. She is purpose driven and will elevate the program on all levels. Great choice!”
— Chris Kingston, Director of Athletics, Bowling Green State University
“We are thrilled for Mary Ellen and the Green Bay Athletics community. Mary Ellen is an exceptional leader who has made a significant impact in our industry at large, and on fellow members in NACWAA as a peer and mentor. Her extraordinary dedication to student-athletes and proven fundraising experience will undoubtedly take UW-Green Bay to new heights.”
— Patti Phillips, CEO, National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators
“I applaud the appointment of Mary Ellen Gillespie at UW-Green Bay. She is an excellent team builder. Her marketing and development skills are very strong. Mary Ellen’s first priority has always been the well-being of the student-athletes. During her tenure at Bowling Green State University she has been a valued and trusted colleague. I wish her the very best. “
— Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher, Commissioner, Mid-American Conference
“Mary Ellen will do great things for Green Bay. Her ability to build a cohesive external team and strong relationships with alumni led to the BGSU success story. Record revenue growth and the Stroh Center are Mary Ellen’s legacy at Bowling Green. She brings a unique perspective to Green Bay, with a background that meshes athletics, student affairs and development. That distinctive skill set helps Mary Ellen effectively collaborate with all areas of campus and alumni – and it will help Green Bay Athletics reach the next level.”
— Greg Christopher, director of athletics, Xavier University
“Mary Ellen has double vision: She get things done and she builds relationships in the process. She will be missed in many ways. She did such a great job orchestrating so many projects during the completion of the Stroh Center, but never once did she lose the personal touch we felt in so many ways. Her footprint will always be in our Memory Bank.”
— Philanthropists Kerm and Mary Ellen Stroh, lead donors for BGSU’s on-campus arena
“Mary Ellen Gillespie is a star in the making among new and upcoming athletic directors. She has the three P’s: potential, promise and perfection. The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has hired a great ambassador for its student-athletes and the athletic department as a whole. Mary Ellen will be missed here at Bowling Green State University. I wish her well as the new Athletic Director at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.”
— LaMonta Stone, assistant men’s basketball coach, Bowling Green State University
“Mary Ellen is an outstanding relationship builder and an expert fundraiser. She is a highly respected administrator with a unique blend of skills who believes fully in the importance of the student-athlete experience. Green Bay has made an outstanding choice. She will lead with the utmost integrity and bring a sense of community to the athletic department and the University. “
— Janna Blais, Deputy Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Welfare/Senior Woman Administrator, Northwestern University
“Mary Ellen has been great to work with over the years. She championed our sport and has played a significant part in our improvement to date. I have no doubt she will be a huge asset to Green Bay.”
— Lou Snelling, head coach, cross country and track and field
“I am delighted to have Mary Ellen join this University in this key leadership position. She has a great track record and experience in athletics, fundraising and higher education. She is a relationship builder, someone who has been highly successful in attracting support for her institution.”
— Tom Harden, chancellor, UW-Green Bay
“Phoenix Athletics is going to benefit from her enthusiasm and vision, and she will be very well received in the community. I think she is a great addition to an already solid program. As we look to increase financial support and continue to better position ourselves against the Horizon League competition, her strong fundraising background is a great positive.”
— Lou LeCalsey, president of the UW-Green Bay Foundation, Inc., search committee member
“It was evident throughout her interviews that she is student-centered and will uphold our high-achieving standards for our scholar-athletes. She is a great fit for this university.”
— Julia Wallace, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, UW-Green Bay, search committee member
