MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Athletics Department has unveiled an updated organizational structure designed to strengthen collaboration, enhance the student-athlete experience and elevate the department's impact on the university and surrounding community.
 
The realignment organizes the department around two primary areas of focus: Student-Athlete Success and Engagement & Brand Strategy, supported by department-wide operational and administrative functions. The structure reinforces Milwaukee Athletics' commitment to providing a championship-level experience for Panther student-athletes while advancing two of Chancellor Thomas Gibson's strategic imperatives: Advance Student Success & Opportunity and Deepen Community Partnerships & Impact.
 
"This alignment creates greater clarity around our areas of focus and reinforces the interconnected roles each of us plays in supporting student-athlete success, elevating the Panther brand and positively impacting our university," said Milwaukee Director of Athletics Amanda Braun. "I am excited about what we can accomplish together as we continue to elevate the experience for our student-athletes and strengthen our department's contribution to the university."
 
Kathy Litzau, Senior Associate Athletics Director - Student-Athlete Success, will oversee academics and career pathways, compliance and enrollment services, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, and mental health, performance psychology and nutrition services.
 
Adam Ahearn, Senior Associate Athletics Director - Engagement & Brand Strategy, will lead communications and multimedia, ticket sales and operations, marketing and fan engagement, and facilities and event operations.
 
Department-wide functions, including the Panther Fund and events, business operations and human resource services, and capital projects, will continue under the leadership of Cathy Rossi, Deputy Athletics Director. Corporate partnerships through Learfield and University Advancement major gifts will continue to support the department under the direction of Amanda Braun, Director of Athletics.
 
The organizational refresh also includes several leadership promotions:
*Zach Beaschler has been promoted from Director of the Panther Fund to Assistant Athletics Director – Panther Fund.
*Clare Faurote has been promoted from Associate Athletics Director – Academic Services to Associate Athletics Director – Student-Athlete Success, with expanded oversight of strength and conditioning and men's and women's swimming and diving.
*Bennett Reed has been promoted from Director of Strength & Conditioning to Assistant Athletics Director – High Performance & Wellness, with expanded oversight of nutrition and performance psychology services.
 
Beaschler and Reed will also join the MKE Athletics Senior Team as part of their expanded leadership roles.
 
The updated structure reflects Panther Athletics' continued commitment to collaboration, student-athlete development and creating meaningful connections with the university and Panther community.