Jessica Goerke has been promoted to the positions of Deputy Athletic Director, Senior Woman Administrator and Chief Operating Officer for the UC Santa Barbara Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Director of Athletics Kelly Barsky announced Friday.
In her role, Goerke will oversee many of the day-to-day operations of the department. She will provide leadership and direct supervision for selected sports and administrative areas, including direct oversight over the academic and student success outcomes for the department. Along with that, she will act as the department’s representative in various campus engagements while serving on the council of The Big West.
“An exceptional communicator and collaborator, Jessica has worn many hats over the past couple of years and excelled in every role,” Barsky said. “She brings with her experiences from a variety of institutions, demonstrates her leadership skills on the national stage, and has been a forward-thinking, results-driven administrator here in Santa Barbara.
“She will have a significant impact on serving student-athletes and our community as she steps into this role to further assume many of the operations and day-to-day administration within the department. I’m excited to welcome Jessica into this new role and work alongside her to serve our Gaucho campus and community.”
Goerke joined UCSB Athletics in October of 2017 as the Assistant Athletic Director of Academic Services before transitioning into the role of Deputy Athletic Director and interim SWA back in January of 2022.
She serves on two NCAA committees: the Division I Committee on Academics and the Men’s Soccer Selection Committee.
Before landing in Santa Barbara, the North Aurora, Illinois native made stops at the University of Illinois, Georgia Tech, and the University of Akron, elevating the academic profiles of each of those institutions in her various roles.