A week after Jim Phillips was named the new commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference, Northwestern announced the formation of a search committee to find a new athletic director.
Janna Blais, deputy director of athletics for administration and policy, will serve as interim vice president for athletics and recreation upon Phillips’ departure in February. Blais currently leads five NU athletics departments and serves as department liaison at Big Ten and NCAA meetings.
“I’m thrilled that Janna Blais, who has been a key leader here for more than a decade, has agreed to serve in the vice president and athletic director role on an interim basis,” University President Morton Schapiro said. “I have full confidence in Janna’s ability to guide the department while we move forward in searching for Jim’s successor.”