Meet the 10 executives who ‘deserve all of the accolades’ in U of A athletic department

When approached by the Daily Star about doing a story on her career and background, the Arizona athletic director insisted that the spotlight be placed on her staff — specifically the high-ranking officials who comprise the athletic department’s executive team.

“None of this happens without our staff,” Reed-Francois said. “They're selfless, they're sharp and they work relentlessly. A number of them left really secure roles at other schools to join this vision because they believe in Arizona.

“I get way more credit than I deserve. They deserve all of the accolades.”

Ten executive-team members are highlighted below (listed in alphabetical order). Eight joined the UA athletic department after Reed-Francois was hired in February 2024.

Six are men, and four are women. All 10 have master’s degrees. Seven are former college student-athletes.

Kristen Arquilla

Title: Senior associate athletic director, compliance

Hiring date: August 2023

Previous stop: University of Virginia

Educational background: B.S., Political Science, Ohio State University; J.D., University of Dayton School of Law

Accomplishments at UA: Navigated conclusion of major infractions case, including serving remaining penalties and completing probation; implementation of House settlement

Rachel Blunt

Title: senior associate athletic director, strategic operations; senior woman administrator

Hiring date: May 2024

Student-athlete background: women’s basketball, Southeast Missouri State

Previous stop: University of Missouri

Educational background: B.S. in Sport Management; M.B.A., Southeast Missouri State

Accomplishments at UA: Implemented revenue-share and NIL plans; strengthened team relationships; co-leading “Fan Plan” and Facilities Master Plan projects

Kate Brennan

Title: Executive associate

Hiring date: August 2024

Student-athlete background: women’s volleyball, UNLV and Boston College

Previous stop: N/A

Educational background: B.A. in Mathematics, UNLV; M.S.L.A., Boston College

Accomplishments at UA: Hosts guest speakers and alumni; manages premium-suite experiences; serving in a two-year executive-development role, providing operational support to Reed-Francois and the executive team

Mike Candrea

Title: Special assistant to the athletic director

Hiring date: Summer 1985

Student-athlete background: baseball, Central Arizona College

Previous stop: University of Arizona (head softball coach)

Educational background: B.S.; M.Ed., Arizona State

Accomplishments at UA (post-coaching): Provides mentorship and professional development for coaches and staff across the department; serves as community liaison between Arizona Athletics and local stakeholders

Tony Daniel

Title: Senior associate athletic director, revenue generation & engagement

Hiring date: June 2024

Student-athlete background: football, University of Buffalo

Previous stop: University of Missouri

Educational background: B.A. in Social Sciences (Interdisciplinary), University of Buffalo; M.A., Integrated Marketing Communications, University of Mississippi

Accomplishments at UA: Launched Arizona Sports Enterprises and the “Bear Down Bash” concert series; executed new premium-seating experiences; co-leading Arizona “Fan Plan” and Facilities Master Plan projects

Morgan Domenick

Title: Associate athletic director, administration

Hiring date: April 2024

Student-athlete background: women’s tennis, Boise State

Previous stop: University of Missouri

Education Background: B.A., Political Science and Criminal Justice, Boise State; J.D. and Diploma, Canon Law, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center

Accomplishments at UA: Helped lead the “Bear Down Blueprint” strategic plan process; helped secure and execute new Nike agreement

Brian Rooney

Title: General manager, Arizona Sports Enterprises

Hiring date: May 2025

Previous stop: Arizona Cardinals

Educational background: B.B.A., University of Denver; M.B.A., University of Miami (Fla.)

Accomplishments at UA: Cultivated naming-rights partnerships for Casino Del Sol Stadium and McKale Center at Alkeme Arena; built new NIL models, partnerships and infrastructure

Bud Sasser

Title: Associate athletic director, contracts

Hiring date: October 2024

Student-athlete background: football, University of Missouri

Previous stop: University of Missouri

Educational background: B.G.S.; M.Ed., University of Missouri; J.D., University of Missouri School of Law

Accomplishments at UA: Helped update state law to position Arizona competitively in national NIL landscape; collaborated with partners to establish revenue-share and NIL departments

Mike Smith

Title: Senior associate athletic director, chief development officer

Hiring date: March 2025

Previous stop: Texas A&M University

Educational background: B.A.; M.Ed., Higher Education Administration and Sports Management, Auburn University

Accomplishments at UA: Launched the Saguaro Society, Arizona Athletics’ new gift-giving program; led Giving Day that generated over $1.1 million

William Wheeler

Title: Senior associate athletic director, chief financial officer

Hiring date: August 2024

Previous stop: University of Missouri

Educational background: B.B.A.; M.B.A., College of Saint Elizabeth

Accomplishments at UA: Developed and implemented new budgeting model that reduced overall deficit; established partnership with campus financial-services office