Amy Folan named CMU athletic director
Amy Folan has been named the new Central Michigan University Athletic Director.
According to a release, Folan was appointed to the position over Alan Haller and Derek van der Merwe.
“I am honored to be joining the CMU Chippewa family,” Folan said. “Central Michigan is a tradition-rich program with an incredible record of success, and I look forward to working with our student-athletes, coaches, university and surrounding communities, fans and supporters to build on the CMU tradition of excellence and continue to raise the bar.
“I see this tremendous opportunity as a new chapter for me and also for Central Michigan Athletics."
Folan succeeds Michael Alford, who left CMU last month to become the CEO of Seminole Boosters Inc. at Florida State.
Davies said Folan's fundraising abilities helped her land the job.
“I am thrilled to welcome Amy Folan to Central Michigan University and the Mount Pleasant community,” CMU president Bob Davies said. “Our goal was to find a person who would continue, if not steepen, our upward trajectory. Amy’s past accomplishments and proven leadership skills will have an immediate and positive impact.”
Folan comes to CMU as the executive senior associate athletics director at the University of Texas and has worked in Austin since 2003. In her former position, Folan oversaw the Longhorn Foundation, the fundraising branch of Texas Athletics and the Longhorns' Ticket office.
With Folan at the helm, the Longhorn Foundation saw steady success in fundraising. In 2019, the membership of the foundation increased by 18,600 members. Its annual fund also grew to its largest total ($42.9 million) under Folan.
Folan played soccer at Connecticut and earned her master's degree from Georgia. She served three years as Membership Services Representative at the NCAA, where she was directly responsible for assisting the Atlantic Coast Conference, Atlantic 10 and Big 12 Conference with legislative issues.
