Mark Benson

Mark Benson

Director of Athletics
Executive Council

Contact

Broadview Center 212
Mark Benson
About

Mark Benson was appointed Director of Athletics at the University at Albany in August 2014.

He came to UAlbany from Old Dominion University, where he had most recently served as both senior associate athletic director and assistant vice president for athletic development. He was also an adjunct professor in the Sports Management Program.

At Old Dominion, Benson was responsible for budget preparation and administration, as well as providing supervision for men’s and women’s sailing. During his tenure, the athletic endowment grew more than $16 million and the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation annual fund revenue grew from $400,000 to $4.1 million. Benson was responsible for soliciting seven $1-million-plus gifts to athletics, as well as numerous significant commitments from donors.

Benson first joined Old Dominion in 1994 as the director of athletic marketing, a position he held for five years. He then worked at Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc., where he managed the Educational Channel for the Commonwealth Division, which covers sales centers from eastern Delaware to eastern North Carolina. Benson developed financial and marketing proposals as well as negotiated beverage contracts with colleges and universities within his division. He returned to Old Dominion in 2006.

Benson is a graduate of North Carolina State University.