GREEN BAY, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) – The University of Wisconsin – Green Bay Director of Athletics Mary Ellen Gillespie has signed a five year contract extension, as announced by university officials on Thursday. Gillespie is currently in her third year at Green Bay and has led the athletics department's strong fundraising efforts, made several head coaching hires and has built a strong staff that has elevated the department.

“We are exceptionally fortunate to have someone of Mary Ellen Gillespie's abilities and national standing to run our Division 1 athletic program. To know she will be a key part of the senior leadership team for the coming years is very exciting,” said Chancellor Gary L. Miller.

In her short time as the leader of Green Bay Athletics, Gillespie spearheaded a record-setting fundraising total of over $1 million raised for the Phoenix Fund in 2014-15, signed a seven-year apparel deal with the highly-recognizable international brand adidas and re-established the Green Bath Athletics Hall of Fame. She helped the annual Phoenix-Packers Steak Fry raise a record total this past year and hired men's basketball coach Linc Darner, a strong candidate for Horizon League Coach of the Year this season.

"Serving the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay as Athletic Director is truly an honor and privilege, and I look forward to continuing our important work," Gillespie said. "I want to thank Chancellor Miller for his support, trust, mentorship, and his commitment to Division I athletics. I am humbled to be a part of his leadership team and am excited about the university's future under his direction. I am surrounded by outstanding student-athletes, coaches and staff who all make Green Bay a very special place to be."

Gillespie became the first-ever administrator from the Horizon League to be appointed to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Sport Committee this past year, and is currently one of 10 members serving on the selection committee. Her five-year term gives the university and Phoenix athletics notable recognition on a national level.

Since arriving on campus in December 2013, Gillespie has served on various committees both locally, regionally and nationally, while also helping to start new initiatives designed to engage stakeholders on campus and in the community, generate revenue and provide an exceptional experience for student-athletes. 

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