J Batt Names Jon Palumbo Executive Deputy Athletics Director and Deputy CEO of Champions Blue

Palumbo currently serves as CEO of Spartan Ventures at Michigan State. As CEO of Spartan Ventures, an organization with a similar mission to Kentucky’s Champions Blue, Palumbo has led efforts to expand student-athlete NIL support, enhance athletics infrastructure and develop innovative revenue strategies to strengthen the department’s long-term competitive position. Palumbo also served as Interim Director of Athletics at Michigan State after holding the roles of Executive Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing key operational areas across the department, serving as the primary sport administrator for football and playing an integral role in strategic planning, budgeting, facilities and department-wide operations.

“Kentucky has tremendous momentum, and we’re building with purpose for where college athletics is headed,” Batt said. “Jon is one of the most respected leaders in our industry and someone I trust deeply. He brings a unique combination of strategic vision, operational excellence and experience leading athletic departments at the highest level. He will be an invaluable partner as we continue investing in our student-athletes, serving the Big Blue Nation and strengthening the future of Kentucky Athletics and Champions Blue. We’re excited to welcome Jon and Rachel to our Kentucky family.”

In his role at Kentucky, Palumbo will serve as a key member of the Kentucky Athletics executive leadership team, helping guide the continued growth of Champions Blue, advancing the department’s strategic priorities and overseeing strategic business initiatives during a transformative era in college athletics.

“I am incredibly honored to join one of the premier universities and athletic departments in the nation, and I am grateful to J Batt and President Capilouto for their belief in me and in how I can help elevate our athletics program,” Palumbo said. “While this is a challenging time in intercollegiate athletics, it is also a time for opportunities, and I am confident that Kentucky is in a great position to take advantage. Rachel and I look forward to joining the Wildcat and Lexington communities.”

Palumbo and Batt previously served together at Georgia Tech, where they worked to implement significant strategic initiatives, oversaw major facility investments and positioned the Yellow Jackets for success during a period of unprecedented change across college athletics. Their shared commitment to innovation, growth and student-athlete success will continue at Kentucky as the department builds on its momentum and positions itself for the future.

Palumbo served as Director of Athletics at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi from 2018 to 2022, leading one of the most successful periods in school history highlighted by conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances and significant academic achievement.

Palumbo’s experience also includes service as Deputy Athletics Director at VCU, where he helped oversee one of the nation’s most successful men’s basketball programs, as well as leadership roles at Maryland, American University, William & Mary and La Salle.

A former baseball student-athlete at La Salle, Palumbo was a team captain and member of the Athletics Relations Council. He graduated with honors in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in communication and earned his MBA from La Salle in 2003.

Palumbo and his wife, Rachel, have two Australian shepherds, Camden and Dan.