Erika Barnes Named Deputy Athletics Director for Utah Athletics

Erika Barnes joins Utah Athletics as Deputy Athletics Director

Erika Barnes has been named the Deputy Athletics Director for Development and External Relations at the University of Utah, according to an announcement from Director of Athletics Mark Harlan. Barnes, a veteran executive with two decades of experience in collegiate sports business and fundraising, is set to join the Utes’ leadership team to oversee philanthropic initiatives and strategic partnerships. She will officially begin her new role on Nov. 9.

NEWS: Erika Barnes Joins Utah Athletics as Deputy A. D. for Development & External Relations. Please join us in welcoming Erika and her family!https://t.co/l8MUZNDZVi pic.twitter.com/01TfJFG1VI

— https://x.com/utahathletics/status/2117691265987010735

This appointment comes at a moment of significant transition for the landscape of collegiate athletics. As universities grapple with evolving revenue models and the complexities of student-athlete support, the need for sophisticated development leadership has become a central priority for major athletic departments. Barnes arrives with a specific focus on driving the philanthropic giving required to fund scholarships and essential support services.

In a statement released via utahutes.com, Harlan emphasized the timing of the hire, noting that the industry is currently facing a period where maximizing resources for student-athlete success is more critical than ever.

“Erika will be a tremendous addition to our department at this critical time in our industry.”

A track record of high-stakes fundraising

Barnes brings a heavy-hitting resume to Salt Lake City, much of it built during a 19-year tenure at her alma mater, the University of Arizona. During her time with the Wildcats, she occupied several high-level positions, including Interim Director of Athletics, Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director, and Chief Development Officer. Her work at Arizona was defined by massive capital campaigns and significant gift procurement.

The scale of her previous fundraising efforts provides a clear look at the level of responsibility she will hold at Utah. During her career at Arizona, Barnes managed five athletics capital campaigns that totaled more than $250 million. She was also responsible for securing over $100 million in major and principal gifts, which included eight of the 20 largest gifts in the history of the Arizona athletics department.

Beyond the raw numbers, her experience extends into the technical and administrative side of sports management. She has handled sport administration, strategic planning, and the oversight of student-athlete support services. This background aligns with the modern requirement for athletic directors to be as proficient in business operations as they are in traditional fundraising.

Expertise in the evolving NIL and revenue landscape

Since 2025, Barnes has operated at the intersection of traditional athletics and the new economy of college sports through the EB7 Advisory Group. As the founder and principal consultant of this strategic advisory firm, she has worked with universities, governing boards, and private-sector partners to navigate emerging opportunities. Her consulting work has specifically targeted areas like name, image, and likeness (NIL) initiatives, risk management, and innovative revenue generation.

Erika Barnes Named Deputy Athletics Director for Utah Athletics

This experience is particularly relevant as athletic departments look for ways to unlock value from existing assets and intellectual property. Barnes also serves as an operating partner with Banner Sports Group, helping universities generate new recurring revenue streams. This dual expertise in both philanthropic giving and commercial revenue generation suggests a multifaceted approach to Utah’s external relations.

Barnes expressed her enthusiasm for the role and the culture at the University of Utah, stating that she looks forward to working with coaches, donors, and partners to create the resources necessary for the Utes’ continued success. She also noted her gratitude for the opportunity to join Mark Harlan’s executive leadership team.

From NCAA champion to executive leader

Barnes’ path to the executive suite began on the field. A 2001 NCAA softball national champion for the University of Arizona, she earned NFCA Scholar-Athlete All-America honors while playing first base for the Wildcats. She has since paired that competitive background with significant academic credentials, including a bachelor’s degree in communications from 2001 and an M.B.A. from the Eller College of Management in 2010.

Elevate U | A new day in college athletics is here and the University of Utah is ready! 🙌

Her professional history is not limited to the university setting; she has also held roles in sales, sports broadcasting, and media production, including positions with Fox Sports and National Pro Fastpitch. This diverse background likely informs her approach to external relations and brand management.

In addition to her professional roles, Barnes maintains several leadership positions in the broader sports community. Her familiarity with conference governance is also extensive, having served on the Pac-12 and Big 12 Councils, including a term as Vice President.