Iowa State Appoints Jared Benko Athletics Director
The university selected the former Georgia Southern athletic director to lead its operations following the retirement of Jamie Pollard.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in People
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Iowa State University has officially named Jared Benko as its new athletics director. Benko takes the reins following the retirement of Jamie Pollard, who served as the longest-tenured athletics director in the history of the institution.
Why it matters
Benko is tasked with managing critical departmental operations, including business affairs, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives, and strategic growth. He will also be responsible for overseeing the upcoming hiring process for the women's basketball program.
During his tenure at Georgia Southern, Benko managed $100 million in capital projects and oversaw $40.9 million in total fundraising. His background includes overseeing a $105 million operating budget at Mississippi State.
The players
Jared Benko
He is the newly appointed athletics director at Iowa State University with extensive experience in athletic management and fundraising.
Jamie Pollard
He is the outgoing, longest-tenured athletics director in the history of Iowa State University.
Bill Fennelly
He is the current head coach of the Iowa State women's basketball team who has announced his upcoming retirement.
The details
In his new role at the Ames campus, Benko will guide athletic operations and strategic planning. One of his immediate priorities involves managing the transition for the women's basketball team as head coach Bill Fennelly prepares to retire at the end of the 2026-27 season.
Timeline
2005-2007: Benko earned his bachelor and master degrees.
2017-2020: Benko served as Mississippi State deputy athletics director.
2020-2024: Benko served as Georgia Southern athletics director.
October 16, 2026: Iowa State announced Benko as athletics director.
2026-2027 season: Coach Bill Fennelly will retire.
Market Landscape
The hiring of Benko reflects a broader trend among major collegiate programs to recruit administrators with proven track records in managing the complex financial landscape of modern college athletics. This move positions Iowa State to maintain competitiveness in fundraising and athlete recruitment against its peers in a rapidly consolidating market.
Fans and university stakeholders should expect a shift in strategic focus as Benko implements his management style regarding NIL and departmental budgeting. The transition will directly impact the future direction of major athletic programs, including the upcoming coaching search for women's basketball.
The takeaway
The appointment of Benko signals a commitment by Iowa State to leverage his experience in high-stakes capital fundraising and operational management. His success in balancing budgetary constraints with athletic growth will likely dictate the department's trajectory in the coming years.
What happens next
Jared Benko will lead the search for a new head coach for the women's basketball program following the retirement of Bill Fennelly at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season.
Further reading
For more updates on leadership changes at the university, visit the Ames People section.
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