Alumnus named director of athletics

ANN ARBOR—University of Michigan President Lee C. Bollinger today (Sept. 8) announced the selection of Tom A. Goss, a California business executive and U-M alumnus, as the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. He will submit his recommendation for approval to the U-M Board of Regents at its Sept. 18 meeting. If approved by the Regents, the appointment will be effective retroactive to Sept. 8.

“Sometimes the right person comes along for the right job,” said Bollinger. “Fortunately for us this is the case with Tom Goss and the athletic directorship. I am confident above all in Tom’s understanding of the proper role of athletics in an academic institution.”

Goss, who earned a bachelor of science degree in communication from the University in 1968, currently is managing partner of The Goss Group, Inc. A resident of Oakland, Calif., he previously was president and chief operating officer of PIA Merchandising Co., the nation’s largest supplier of regular scheduled merchandised services.

As athletic director, Goss will oversee 23 varsity coaches and teams, the University’s athletic fields and facilities, and a $38 million department budget. He succeeds M. Joseph Roberson, who recently announced his plans to retire.

While a student at U-M, Goss was a varsity football player who earned All-Big Ten honors. He has remained an active alumnus, serving as the University’s alumni representative to the Big Ten conference, being a member of the President’s Advisory Committee and sitting on the board of directors of the Alumni Association.

Prior to joining PIA in 1993, Goss was executive vice president and general manager of ShasCo Inc. for National Beverage Corp., which distributes Faygo and Shasta beverages. He worked for National Beverage from 1986 to 1993.

He earlier was vice president of sales and marketing for Faygo Beverages and held several management positions with RJ Reynolds/DelMonte Corp. and Procter and Gamble Co.

Goss is married and has three children.

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