ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Michael Kelly has been appointed President of the Naval Academy Athletic Association and Director of Athletics at the United States Naval Academy, succeeding Chet Gladchuk, who retired on March 31, 2025, after 24 years of leadership. Kelly, previously Vice President for Athletics at the University of South Florida, assumes the role with a vision to build on Gladchuk’s legacy while advancing the academy’s mission-driven athletic programs.
“I am honored and humbled to assume leadership as President of the Naval Academy Athletic Association and Director of Athletics at the United States Naval Academy,” said Kelly. “As the son of a Naval Academy graduate and someone who spent part of my childhood in Annapolis, the values of this institution have long been a guiding force in my life. Returning to this remarkable place in this capacity is a full-circle moment that fills me with both pride and purpose. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — a calling to serve those who have chosen to serve our nation. I am eager to support the Brigade of Midshipmen and to work alongside our coaches, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters in leading one of the nation’s most visible and mission-driven athletic departments. Together, we will build on the extraordinary foundation laid by Chet Gladchuk and ensure that Navy Athletics continues to represent excellence — in competition, in the classroom and beyond. Go Navy! Beat Army!”
Kelly’s appointment follows a national search, with Gladchuk expressing confidence in his successor. “After a national search, we are extremely pleased that Michael Kelly will assume responsibility as our next President of the NAAA and Director of Athletics,” said Gladchuk. “It has been an honor and privilege for me to serve the Academy and I could not be more confident in the leadership, vision and dedicated service Michael will bring to our midshipmen. He is a man of extraordinary credentials with an impeccable reputation in our profession.”
Vice Adm. Yvette M. Davids, Superintendent of the Naval Academy, highlighted Kelly’s role in continuing the academy’s athletic success. “We are always proud of what our midshipmen, coaches and athletic staff accomplish year-in and year-out, representing not only the Naval Academy, but the Navy and Marine Corps team,” said Davids. “We are looking forward to Michael continuing the momentum of excellence established during Chet Gladchuk’s tenure. From the expansion of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, the addition of Wesley Brown Field House and the Brigade Sports Complex to leading the country with 36 varsity sports programs, Chet has provided the Naval Academy with a solid base for our midshipmen student-athletes to carry into the next decade and beyond.”
At USF, Kelly served as Vice President for Athletics since 2018, nearly doubling the department’s budget to $100 million and securing over $100 million in philanthropic gifts. He oversaw major facility projects, including a planned $340 million on-campus football stadium set to open in 2027, a $22 million indoor performance facility, and a $3 million football locker room renovation. Under his leadership, USF expanded to 21 varsity sports, adding women’s lacrosse and beach volleyball. The Bulls won 21 American Athletic Conference titles, two NCAA Championships, and eight cheer national championships, with 27 student-athletes earning All-American honors.
Kelly prioritized student-athlete well-being, enhancing nutrition programs, adding fueling stations, and doubling sports psychology support. USF student-athletes maintained a 3.0 GPA or higher for 21 consecutive semesters, earning recognition on Front Office Sports’ “Best College Athletic Departments” list in 2024. Kelly also launched the Stampede for Women initiative to empower female student-athletes and joined the Green Sports Alliance to promote sustainability.
Before USF, Kelly was chief operating officer of the College Football Playoff from 2013 to 2018, managing operations, site selection for national championship games, and relationships with major bowl games. He previously served as Senior Associate Commissioner at the Atlantic Coast Conference from 2007 to 2013, negotiating a $2 billion multimedia rights agreement and managing broadcasting and football operations. Earlier roles included leading Super Bowl host committees in Miami, Jacksonville, and Tampa Bay, and serving as Associate AD at USF and Director of Athletic Operations at Wake Forest.
Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University (1992), a master’s in sports administration from St. Thomas University (1994), and an honorary doctorate from St. Thomas (2023). He is pursuing a doctoral degree at USF and serves on various NCAA committees and boards, including the Division I Council and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.
Gladchuk’s tenure saw significant growth, including facility expansions and the addition of 36 varsity sports, the most in the nation. Kelly’s experience positions him to lead Navy Athletics into its next chapter, supporting midshipmen in competition and academics while upholding the academy’s values.