WASHINGTON — After six years of service to American University Athletics over two different stints, Deputy Athletics Director Katie Benoit has accepted the position of Director of Athletics at Skidmore College. Benoit leaves American with more than 15 years of experience in athletic leadership, student-athlete development, fundraising, compliance, and strategic planning.
"Katie has played an important role in the success and growth of our department over the past four years," said Director of Athletics and Recreation JM Caparro. "She cares deeply about the student-athlete experience and has earned the respect of our coaches, staff, and student-athletes through her leadership and genuine commitment to others. While we will miss her, this is a well-deserved opportunity, and I know Skidmore Athletics will benefit from her vision, passion, and dedication."
Benoit, who has also been serving as AU's senior woman administrator (SWA), began her second stint at American in 2022 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. In 2025, Benoit helped bring the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics to American for a symposium on the educational value of athletics, and hosted the event alongside then-University President Jonathan Alger. Her leadership experience also includes six years as associate athletic director and SWA at Western Colorado University, where she oversaw revenue generation, compliance, strategic planning initiatives, facility projects, and student-athlete programming.
As director of athletics, Benoit will provide strategic leadership for Skidmore's athletics, fitness, and recreation programs while advancing the College's mission of academic excellence and student development. Working collaboratively with coaches, student-athletes, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters, she will oversee efforts to strengthen the student-athlete experience, foster a culture of belonging and well-being, support competitive success, and further position Skidmore Athletics as an integral part of the College community.
Benoit succeeds Gail Cummings-Danson, who is retiring after over two decades of outstanding leadership and service to the Skidmore community. Benoit will assume her duties at Skidmore on Aug. 4.
