From Carnegie Mellon University Athletics
A pair of Carnegie Mellon University athletics administrators have been promoted, as Sara Gauntner will assume responsibilities as Associate Director of Athletics, and Jason Mlodzianowski will step into a role as Assistant Director of Athletics. Head men’s basketball coach Tony Wingen has decided to relinquish his administrative role as Associate Athletics Director to devote his full attention to the men’s basketball program.
In her role as Associate Director of Athletics for Recreational Programs, Gauntner will oversee intramurals, club sports, fitness and campus recreation. Mlodzianowski will oversee Events, Facilities and Operations.
“We are extremely fortunate to have two talented administrators like Sara and Jason at Carnegie Mellon,” said Director of Athletics Josh Centor. “While their administrative responsibilities may differ, both Sara and Jason have made a profound impact on our campus community with their leadership, work ethic and passion for our university.”
Gauntner arrived at Carnegie Mellon in August 2005 as the Director of Aquatics and assistant men’s and women’s swimming and diving coach and was promoted in 2009 to Assistant Director of Athletics for Recreational Programs. She supervises all aspects of recreation at Carnegie Mellon and is responsible for all recreational facilities, scheduling activities and physical education classes. In addition, over the past several years, Gauntner provided leadership and vision for the 62,000-square foot addition to the Jared L. Cohon University Center which opened in May and contains a state-of-the-art fitness center.
“Working with our students has always been an extremely rewarding part of the job," said Gauntner. "I loved coaching here and I am grateful for this expanded opportunity in administration. So many wonderful people have contributed to my success and I am thankful to work with an outstanding team that makes this campus a great place to be."
Mlodzianowski came to Carnegie Mellon in 2013 as Event Manager and Coordinator of Athletics Facilities. After assuming oversight of all equipment room operations, Mlodzianowski was promoted to Coordinator of Events, Facilities and Operations last July. He has served as tournament director for multiple NCAA soccer events as well as the 2014 and 2016 NCAA men’s tennis regionals. In his new role, he will continue to provide oversight for all intercollegiate events and maintenance of athletics facilities as well as join the department’s administrative leadership team.
“I am excited for the opportunity,” said Mlodzianowski. “Carnegie Mellon is a great place to work and I feel fortunate to be part of an athletic department which is thriving.”
Wingen has been a longtime administrator at Carnegie Mellon, and provided oversight for events, facilities and the strength and conditioning program.
“I am grateful to Tony for his administrative service to our department and university for two decades. We have been able to take major strides forward as a result of his leadership in this area,” Centor said. “This is an exciting announcement for Coach Wingen and the men’s basketball team. Tony is a wonderful teacher and mentor, and our student-athletes will benefit greatly as a result of his increased flexibility to focus his time on our basketball program.”
Assistant Director of Athletics Kim Kelly, who is also the department’s Senior Woman Administrator and head volleyball coach, will now oversee the strength and conditioning program.