Drew Dickerson / Atlantic 10 Conference
A former DePaul track and field athlete, Jill Redmond came out of school thinking she would pursue a career in athletic training. But graduate school led Redmond down a different path into compliance and eventually into the conference office at the Atlantic 10. Thirteen years into her time at the conference, Redmond has established herself as a national authority and a leading voice on diversity, equity and inclusion.
She has led the conference’s development of a commission on DEI, and she took the lead on the A-10’s celebration of Title IX’s 50th anniversary. Through her efforts, Redmond distinguished the conference as a leader in societal change through unique TV programming and basketball scheduling, both with a tripleheader on CBS Sports on Dr. Martin Luther King Day and during Black History Month.
“It’s the most challenging work I’ve done,” Redmond said. “Honestly, since George Floyd’s murder, we’ve had more open conversations, open inclusion and more inclusive practices in how we make our decisions at the conference than ever before. … I’m interested to see where we go and where this conversation takes us. I know that when I was an athlete, I definitely felt supported, but I don’t know that I felt empowered to say something if something was wrong.”
Now, Redmond is part of the solution at the A-10 and nationally to help athletes develop their evolving voice. “It’s a dynamic time,” she said. “We’re asking athletes to participate in some very complex issues, so we have to be mindful” that they’re students and athletes foremost. — Michael Smith
Jill Redmond
Executive Senior Associate Commissioner, Atlantic 10 Conference
Born: Atlanta
Education: DePaul University, B.S., corporate fitness management; Benedictine University, MBA
More about Jill
Guilty pleasure: Bourbon.
Year’s greatest challenge: Losing my mother in early June.
My leadership style is inspired by … : Staying focused on the group that’s at the core of our industry — student athletes — and being unapologetic in doing everything and anything that I can to serve them and those charged with protecting their health and safety, ensuring educational success and providing a quality athletic experience.
I wish I’d known at the my career’s start: That there is no “right” or predetermined path in this industry. You can follow your passion and find opportunities.
Advice to a young person looking to work in sports business: Be clear on your values and surround yourself with people that share your values, and as you build your professional network, those connections will be more authentic and real.
Change I’d make related to women working in sports: Women in top leadership positions that are equally compensated and respected becoming the status quo.
