WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Otterbein University has officially hired and welcomed Stacey Conley as its new Assistant Director of Athletics for Internal Operations, announced by Dr. Greg Lott to help begin this next calendar year.

Conley is no stranger to the Ohio Athletic Conference after spending nearly a decade in various roles at Wilmington College from 2014-2023. She served as Associate Director of Athletics, Senior Woman's Administrator and Director of Compliance (simultaneously) across her last three years.

"Peers throughout the OAC have raved about Stacey's professionalism and competence," Lott said with excitement. "She has a wealth of experience in business and operations. Further, Stacey is an ideal philosophical match with our department. She is very passionate about putting student-athletes first and doing all that she can to support their growth and development. This hire will substantially improve our ability to support the Cardinal family".

Conley worked closely with multiple Athletic Directors at Wilmington to help manage day-to-day operations, including a direct oversight for compliance, student-athlete welfare, facilities, events and DEI. She played key roles in the Wilmington Hall of Fame process, served on countless search committees, worked as a primary liaison with the Faculty Athletics Representative, attended multiple NCAA conferences, handled duties with the NCAA transfer portal, secured critical gifts through fundraising efforts and much more.

"I certainly thank Greg and the entire search committee for this opportunity," said Conley, arriving to Otterbein after a brief stint this past fall in a human resources role with LG Energy Solutions/Honda Joint Venture in Jeffersonville, Ohio. "Him putting trust in me to join this leadership team (and vision for the department) is something I'm eager and excited about."

Conley worked as the Business Manager for Wilmington Athletics from 2016-20 after originally beginning with the school as an Account Resolution Coordinator in 2014.

"One of the things that drew me back is my love for the OAC and the people who make it up," Conley added. "I have great respect for Sarah (Otey) and all of the administrators across this league. It's one of the very best in the country and allows me to impact some amazing student-athletes. Even if I'm in their lives for just a brief stint, helping them achieve goals is what drives the passion. My favorite day of the year is watching them walk across the stage for graduation. I get to hug them, wish a proper congrats and hopefully send them on to success. I can't wait to get back "in the game" and form new bonds."

Conley, holding a bachelor's degree from Wilmington in Business Administration and Marketing, has officially started her new role and will be housed in the Clements Recreation Center second-floor offices.