Katie Benoit Named Director of Athletics at Skidmore College

Katie Benoit, an accomplished collegiate athletics administrator with more than 15 years of experience in athletic leadership, student-athlete development, fundraising, and strategic planning, has been named director of athletics at Skidmore College.

Benoit currently serves as deputy athletic director and senior woman administrator (SWA) at American University (AU).

“Katie’s broad experience, collaborative leadership style, and clear vision for the future make her the ideal person to lead our athletics program and build on the strong foundation established by our coaches, staff, and student-athletes,” said vice president for student affairs, Adrian Bautista.

At AU, Benoit has served in multiple senior leadership roles since 2022 when she began her second stint at American as the associate athletics director for student-athlete well-being. Promoted to SWA in 2023 and deputy athletics director in 2024, she serves on the Patriot League Leadership Council and chairs the league’s sport management and senior woman administrator committees.

“I am honored and excited to join the Skidmore community,” Benoit said. “Throughout the search process, I was inspired by the College’s commitment to academic excellence, student development, and creating a meaningful educational experience through athletics. Skidmore’s values align closely with my own, and I look forward to working alongside our coaches, staff, student-athletes, alumni, and campus partners to build upon the department’s tradition of success while fostering an environment where every student-athlete can thrive.”

Benoit succeeds Gail Cummings-Danson, who is retiring after over two decades of leadership and service to the Skidmore community. Benoit will assume her duties at Skidmore on August 4.