JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University Athletics announced the appointment of Katelyn Fischer as the Associate AD for Administration and Chief of Staff in May 2023.
Fischer joins JU after serving as the Director of Business Services at the University of Pittsburgh since February 2021. In her previous role, she played a crucial part in the day-to-day business operations, including financial reporting, overseeing accounts payable, and reviewing policies and procedures.
"The addition of Katelyn Fischer to our team is crucial in so many ways," said Senior Vice President/Athletic Director Alex Ricker-Gilbert. "She has extensive experience already in her career and will be a tremendous asset to our department."
She assumes oversight of daily business and budget responsibilities for the athletic department, while also coordinating the department's interactions with the school's Office of People and Culture for hiring, training and other human resources-related functions. She also joins the department's leadership team.
Prior to her time at Pitt, Fischer served as the Coordinator of Business Operations at the University of Maryland from 2019 to 2021. During her tenure there, she provided support in purchasing, travel reimbursement, and budget reconciliations. Additionally, she took the initiative to present virtual financial literacy workshops to collegiate student-athletes and young professionals, aiming to enhance their skills in budgeting and debt management.
Fischer was selected as a participant in the 2018-19 NCAA Postgraduate Intern Program, where she worked for the Finance and Accounting Department. Her responsibilities included assisting with budget and expense operations for the NCAA's internal departments and 90 championships. Before joining the NCAA, she served as the women's basketball graduate assistant at Stevenson University, where she earned her master's degree in communication studies.
At the start of her career, Fischer worked as an assurance associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers, specializing in asset management corporations and the financial services industry.
Fischer actively participates in professional associations, including the College Athletic Business Management Association (CABMA) and Women Leaders in College Sports. She currently serves as a Program Lead in CABMA's Mentor Me program and was honored with the CABMA Emerging Leader Award in 2022. Furthermore, she contributes to the Education & Professional Development Committee for Women Leaders in College Sports.
Having obtained her bachelor's degree in business administration with a specialty in accounting from Marymount University, Fischer excelled both academically and athletically. She was a four-year member and two-year captain of the women's basketball team, contributing to a Division III CAC Championship and NCAA appearance. Fischer's exceptional achievements earned her several individual academic and athletic accolades, including the prestigious 2014 Jostens Trophy. This esteemed award recognizes outstanding student-athletes in NCAA Division III basketball who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, on the court, and in the community.
