TUCSON, Ariz. – University of Arizona Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Heeke has appointed Matthew Hayes as the chief financial officer and senior associate athletics director of internal operations, including sport supervision of Arizona Football. Hayes spent the previous two years as Chief of Staff and Associate A.D. for Arizona football administration where he oversaw the strategic and day-to-day operations and finances for the program.
 
"We are excited to welcome Matthew into a new and pivotal position within our athletics department," Heeke said. "It's critical to our day-to-day operations that we utilize his expertise and experience to continue our department's pursuit of excellence and fulfillment of our mission to develop student-athletes into academic, athletic, and life champions. Matthew made a tremendous impact on our football program, and we are eager to have him transition into this new position."
 
A dynamic leader with a holistic vision for business operations, Hayes has over 16 years of financial and operational experience. He brings a unique combination of business acumen from the private sector and know-how in professional and collegiate sports to Arizona Athletics. His diversified professional background includes biotech, eCommerce, real estate, and professional and collegiate football.
 
"I am thankful to Athletics Director, Dave Heeke, for this dual-role opportunity on the Wildcats leadership team, and I look forward to serving our great university, student-athletes, coaches, staff, supporters, fans, and community," Hayes said. "I am thrilled to partner with all 22 Arizona world-class sports programs as we provide resources and experiences for our student-athletes to excel in academics and athletics at the University of Arizona."
 
With a passion for sports, Hayes worked in the XFL and collegiate football with the University of Arizona. He originally joined the football profession ranks as a coach with the powerhouse Bellevue High School outside of Seattle, Washington. He coached for five seasons after graduating from college.
 
The Franklin, Massachusetts native attended Bridgewater State University, where he was a student-athlete who lettered in football as well as indoor and outdoor track and field. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance. Hayes also holds an MBA from the University of Washington. Matthew and his wife, Erika, currently reside in Tucson, Arizona, and have one son, Weston.