Jake Olkkola has been named New York University's Director of Athletics, Intramurals, and Recreation after a robust, months-long national search.

"Throughout this process, it became evident that Jake brings a demonstrated ability to manage a complex enterprise; an understanding of the integral relationship between athletic and academic excellence within a Division III program," said Jason Pina, NYU's Senior Vice President for University Life. "He has a keen awareness of the opportunities and challenges presented by NYU's unique location in an urban environment and its impact upon our students' experience of sport and, above all, an approach to leadership grounded in integrity and compassion."

A seasoned collegiate athletics professional, Olkkola comes to Washington Square from Johns Hopkins University where he's served in multiple capacities since 2019. From 2019-21 Olkkola was Johns Hopkins' Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Recreation before being elevated to Deputy Director of Athletics and Recreation in 2021.

At Johns Hopkins, he was part of the leadership team under which the Blue Jays secured the 2022-23 Division III Learfield Directors' Cup title while executing the department's strategic planning and serving as a key voice in many initiatives, such as an integrated and interactive Hopkins Athletics and Recreation DEIB branded program.

"I'd like to express my gratitude to Jason Pina, the search committee, and everyone involved in this thorough process," Olkkola said. "Since my initial engagement with NYU, I've been inspired by the passion and dedication to fostering student success in all aspects. It's a tremendous honor for me to take the helm of this department, aiming to elevate it to even greater heights of excellence."

Prior to JHU, Olkkola was the Director of Athletics at Colby College from 2017-19. At Colby, he oversaw the athletic department's 32 varsity programs which achieved many "firsts" under his leadership. The Mules advanced 67 places in the Directors' Cup standings during his two years at the helm while multiple programs won their first-ever conference championships. Outside of varsity competition, Olkkola also spearheaded an 89 percent increase in philanthropic giving to Colby athletics in one of the most ambitious fundraising efforts in the history of liberal arts institutions.

"We could not be more pleased to welcome Jake and his family to NYU at this special moment in our department's history!" added Senior Associate Athletic Director Janice Quinn.

From 2010-17, Olkkola was part of the University of Delaware's athletics leadership team. He was the Associate Director of Athletics and Recreation from 2010-15 and was promoted to Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Recreation in 2015. At Delaware, Olkkola served as the department's Chief Financial Officer upon his promotion, in addition to his responsibilities as sport administrator for six of the University's 21 Division I varsity teams while managing a $25 million renovation of one of the main athletic facilities.

The Ossipee, NH, native's first role in collegiate athletics was at Harvard University, where he worked as Director of Recreation from 2003-08. Similar to NYU's vast recreation offerings, Olkkola led Harvard's club sports which included over 30 programs and 900 participants. He was also the lead project planner for Harvard's $16 million renovation of the Malkin Athletic Center while managing all facets of select athletics and recreation facilities.

Olkkola is a 2001 graduate of New Hampshire College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management. He earned a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Wilmington University in 2019.

Olkkola will begin at NYU on June 10, 2024.