General

CCNY Names Duane Bailey as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation

Release courtesy CCNY Athletic Communications

NEW YORK - Following a national search, The City College of New York, the flagship institution of the City University of New York, proudly announces the appointment of Duane Bailey as its new Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation.

Bailey brings to CCNY more than two decades of leadership experience across collegiate and professional sports, with an accomplished career that spans the Big East Conference, Atlantic 10 Conference, and the National Football League, as well as senior administrative roles at Seton Hall University, the University of New Haven, the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

"Duane Bailey's appointment represents an exciting new chapter for CCNY," said Ramon De Los Santos, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs. "His energy, experience, and commitment to holistic student development align perfectly with our mission to foster leadership, wellness, and pride across our entire community — both on the field of competition and throughout the campus. Under his leadership, we look forward to advancing athletic excellence and building innovative leaders who will carry the CCNY legacy forward."

Bailey most recently served as Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Financial Officer at the University of Louisiana, where he oversaw the department's business operations, human resources, facilities, equipment, and event management, while serving as sport administrator for women's soccer. In 2020, his role expanded to include oversight of campus auxiliary units such as housing, retail operations, dining, transportation, and media, reflecting his wide-ranging expertise in both athletics and university administration.

"I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to join The City College of New York and become part of this incredible community," Bailey said. "Athletics and recreation have the power to bring people together, to inspire pride, and to create a sense of belonging that reaches far beyond the playing field. My goal is to build on CCNY's strong foundation by supporting our student-athletes, engaging the entire campus, and strengthening our connection to the city we serve."

Before joining Louisiana, Bailey held key leadership positions at Seton Hall University, overseeing external relations, compliance, and financial operations. He managed more than $39 million in athletic facility construction and renovations, negotiated a major apparel partnership, and advanced student-athlete development programming.

As Director of Athletics at NYIT, Bailey guided 13 varsity programs and led the addition of women's lacrosse and esports, the construction of a student fitness center, and multiple key hires. Under his leadership, NYIT achieved record competitive and academic success, earning Bailey the 2016 ECAC Division II Athletic Administrator of the Year award.

At the University of New Haven, he oversaw 17 varsity and 12 club sports, leading programs that exceeded NCAA Academic Success Rate standards and advancing major fundraising efforts for athletic facilities. Earlier in his career, Bailey spent a decade in the National Football League, where he held positions in salary cap management and player compensation both at the league office and with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Bailey currently serves as Vice Chair of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Board of Directors and recently completed his term on the NCAA Women's Soccer Committee, having served through June 2025. He has also contributed to the boards and subcommittees of various national sports governing bodies, including US Lacrosse, USA Bobsled & Skeleton, and the United States Tennis Association. Additionally, he remains an active member of NACDA and CABMA, two of the nation's premier professional organizations for collegiate athletic leaders.

A proud New Yorker and graduate of St. John's University with a bachelor's degree in finance, Bailey also holds a master's degree in athletic administration from Adelphi University and an MBA from Long Island University. He and his wife, Gale Divins, a telecommunications attorney and fellow St. John's alumna, reside with their daughter, Ava.
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