UNC Asheville Athletics Announces Leadership Restructuring to Advance Strategic Priorities

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone announced today (July 2) a series of leadership restructuring initiatives designed to better support the department's refreshed Dream Bigger. Achieve More. strategic plan.

The updated organizational structure is centered around two key priorities: elevating competitive excellence and championship culture across all programs while reimagining the Bulldog basketball experience to establish Kimmel Arena as the premier destination for NCAA Division I basketball in Western North Carolina.

Colin Smith Named Senior Associate AD for Sport Administration

Colin Smith has been elevated to Senior Associate Athletic Director for Sport Administration, expanding his leadership responsibilities across the department.

Smith will provide leadership and oversight to all sport supervisors while continuing to serve as the primary administrator for men's soccer, men's and women's cross country, and men's and women's track & field. In his expanded role, he will conduct weekly sports performance meetings, lead monthly professional development opportunities for coaches and oversee annual competitive reviews.

Additionally, Smith will supervise summer camps, serve as the department's liaison to Club Sports within Campus Recreation, and become the primary point of contact for Human Resources responsibilities, including talent recruitment, onboarding, contracts and annual performance evaluations. Working alongside the Assistant AD for Facilities, he will continue overseeing game day operations for all varsity sports and coordinate the department's hosting responsibilities for Big South Conference championships.

Andy Lapple Assumes Expanded Facilities and Event Sales Leadership

Following the retirement of Diane Buzzini, Andy Lapple has been promoted from Director of Event Sales and Marketing to Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Event Sales.

Lapple will oversee the planning, development, coordination and management of event operations across all UNC Asheville athletic facilities. His expanded responsibilities include generating additional revenue through high-quality external events while managing facility operations, maintenance, safety and security for the Sherrill Center/Kimmel Arena and the Outdoor Sports Complex.

Kassi Butcher Named Assistant AD for Communications & Innovative Marketing

Kassi Butcher's role has been updated to Assistant Athletic Director for Communications & Innovative Marketing, reflecting an increased emphasis on strategic marketing initiatives.

In her expanded role, Butcher will focus on developing and executing innovative marketing campaigns designed to reimagine the Bulldog basketball experience while identifying new opportunities to strengthen connections between Asheville and Bulldog Athletics. She will continue overseeing department-wide communications and marketing efforts, maintain sport communication responsibilities for assigned teams, and serve as co-facilitator of the department's weekly basketball external relations meetings to help guide strategic discussions and cross-functional collaboration.

Abby St. John Adds Community Engagement Responsibilities

Abby St. John's title has been updated to Director of Marketing & Community Engagement.

While community engagement has long been a part of St. John's responsibilities, the title adjustment reflects the department's renewed emphasis on strengthening connections throughout the Asheville community. She will continue leading marketing efforts for all Bulldog sports while placing an increased focus on expanding the department's outreach across campus and throughout Buncombe County.

Additionally, St. John will serve as the department's primary liaison with Taymar for ticketing initiatives and Learfield for corporate partnerships related to Bulldog Basketball home competitions.

Dani Nicosia to Lead Social Media Content Strategy

Dani Nicosia's title has been updated to Assistant Athletic Director for Social Media Content Strategy & Brand Management.

In her enhanced role, Nicosia will oversee all athletics social media content while serving as the steward of the Bulldog Athletics brand. She will establish and lead a centralized content model that provides strategic direction for social media planning, content development and brand execution across the department.

The restructuring is effective immediately and represents the latest step in implementing UNC Asheville Athletics' refreshed Dream Bigger. Achieve More. strategic plan as the department continues to invest in championship success and an enhanced fan experience.