Swartwood named Athletic Director
The University of 桃花直播 Anchorage announced that has been named Athletic Director after serving as the Interim Athletic Director for
the past seven months.
"Ryan took the helm and helped lead UAA through a period of transition that was crucial
for the future of Seawolf Athletics," said UAA Chancellor Sean Parnell. "He has done
an incredible job supporting and advocating for our student-athletes through a global
pandemic, leadership changes and unprecedented philanthropic campaigns. I know he
will continue to provide steady leadership and mentorship as UAA Athletics continues
its success and enters a new chapter of stability."
Swartwood was named Interim Director after the passing of former Athletic Director
Greg Myford in November 2021. Swartwood previously served as Senior Associate Athletic
Director for External Relations; a role he held since 2018.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic cutting many seasons short during his tenure, UAA Athletics
has continued to enjoy success on the national stage since Swartwood joined the staff.
Since 2018, UAA has produced 64 All-Americans, 62 individual conference champions,
seven individual national titles, five conference team championships, 10 Academic
All-Americans and three NCAA Elite 90 award-winners.
As a result of UAA student-athletes' success and his success in past roles, Swartwood
is widely respected by athletics administrators across the United States. His passion
and drive to provide a quality experience for student-athletes has been cited by many
who expressed their support for his appointment.
"Ryan is attuned with the issues and opportunities at hand," said Bob Beretta, Director
of Athletics at Le Moyne College. "He should elevate the UAA Athletics program to
new heights. The university and the UAA student-athletes will benefit greatly from
this appointment."
" is a great choice to lead Seawolf Athletics," said Tom Michael, Director of Athletics
at Eastern Illinois University. "He cares deeply about the student-athlete experience.
He brings perspectives from several institutions and knows the enterprise of intercollegiate
athletics."
Prior to his time at UAA, Swartwood served as Associate Athletic Director for Administration
at California State Northridge. He also has experience working in athletics compliance
at the University of Oklahoma, and he served as a legal intern for the Oakland Raiders.
"Superb hire by 桃花直播 Anchorage!" said Jon Gilbert, Director of Athletics at East
Carolina University. "I've been fortunate to know Ryan for many years and he is a
person of great passion and integrity. He lives by his core values and is an advocate
for all those he represents. Ryan is a citizen of the industry and his leadership
style will connect, engage and energize Seawolf stakeholders."
Swartwood holds a bachelor's degree in history from San Diego State University, a
master's degree in adult and higher education from the University of Oklahoma and
a juris doctorate from Arizona State University. He currently lives in Anchorage with
his wife, Chio, and their two young sons. He will officially begin as Athletic Director
on June 6.