Notre Dame Deputy Athletics Director/CFO Mario Morris was named the Manager of the Year by the College Athletic Business Management Association (CABMA) for the 2020-21 academic year.
“I’m extremely grateful and honored to have been chosen as CABMA’s Manager of the Year,” said Morris. “This is such a wonderful organization with great leadership, mentorship and membership. Thank you to my Notre Dame colleagues, as this recognition belongs to all of them as well.”
CABMA’s Manager of the Year is chosen annually by the membership from nominations of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the profession of athletics business management and who are CABMA members.
Morris joined the University of Notre Dame Athletic Department in 2019. He currently serves as Deputy Athletic Director and CFO. Morris is responsible for all of the department’s core business functions including financial forecasting, budgeting, business operations, human resources, legal affairs, contracts, technology, data analytics, athletic equipment, facilities and events.
Alongside the athletic director and senior director of athletic advancement, Morris leads in developing strategic priorities for fundraising and actively engages in donor engagement activities. Morris has worked constantly to expand the role of the CFO.
In June of 2020, Morris was selected to participate in the NCAA Pathway Program.
Prior to joining Notre Dame, Morris held a variety of financial management roles at the University of Wisconsin. As CFO, Morris had primary oversight of Wisconsin’s $150 million financial and operations budget.
Morris led Wisconsin’s efforts to create a first-of-its kind, multi-year partnership between the school’s athletic department and Legends, to streamline initiatives into one integrated platform across general ticketing, premium seating, annual fundraising, marketing and business intelligence.
Morris serves as an adjunct professor at Notre Dame where he teaches Athletic Administration in the MBA program in the Mendoza College of Business. He also continues to serve as an adjunct professor for the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he teaches courses in NCAA governance and compliance, budget and financial management, licensing, marketing and commercial sponsorship and legal issues in higher education.
Morris joined CABMA in 2012. He credits the organization with greatly contributing to his growth and success over the years. Morris has attended several conventions and he has participated in several CABMA panels, roundtables and presentations including two this spring, Best Practices in Budgeting and in the CABMA Mentor Me Leadership Speaker Series.
Over the years, Morris has enthusiastically encouraged administrators to join CABMA as he believes strongly in professional development and networking. Morris believes in sharing his knowledge with other CABMA members and is always ready and willing to meet to discuss new ideas, challenges and best practices to strengthen all colleges and universities.
Morris is a regular international traveler having visited almost every continent. He has served as a board member for several community organizations and recently joined the Boys and Girls Club of St. Joseph County board. Morris, his wife Tetiana and their son Nicolas currently reside in Granger, Indiana.