Maryland named former Atlanta Braves executive James E. Smith as its new athletic director on Thursday.

Smith had been the Braves’ senior vice president of business strategy for the past five years.

Smith previously served as president and CEO of the Ohio State University Alumni Association.

“We are proud of the athletics tradition here at the University of Maryland and of the accomplishments of our coaches and student-athletes who represent the red, black, white and gold,” Maryland president Darryll J. Pines said in a release. “As college athletics rapidly evolves, Jim brings valuable administrative and business experience, plus the energy, vision and passion to lead our athletics program to new levels of success and impact.”

Smith’s background also includes a series of executive positions at Arthur M. Blank Sports & Entertainment, where he was in charge of revenue and marketing for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS club Atlanta United.

“It is a great honor to be chosen to lead the athletics department at the University of Maryland and to guide UMD’s storied programs into the next era,” Smith said. “I am highly motivated to build upon excellence and lead Maryland forward in a dynamic and pivotal time for intercollegiate athletics, with a sharp focus on student-athlete health, well-being and academic success.”

Smith replaces Damon Evans, who left in March to take the same position at SMU. Evans had been the Maryland athletic director since 2018.

–Field Level Media