ASU Athletics: Deana Garner Smith named Senior Associate Athletics Director

The NFL to the front office of the Sun Devil Athletics department in Tempe is quickly becoming quite the popular journey. ASU added yet another executive with experience in America's most popular professional sport Thursday.

Deana Garner Smith is the latest addition, and has been named a Senior Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator for Sun Devil Athletics. Her NFL experience includes roles in domestic violence, gambling and sexual assault education as well as director of security and player engagement. At the NFL she also orchestrated a domestic violence summit as well as a summit on driving under the influence.

"This step in my career is illustrative of two of my biggest passions in life: Positively impacting young people and helping enhance communities," Garner Smith said in a statement. "It was clear from the moment I stepped on campus that family values, a commitment to service and a drive to be excellent permeate throughout the department. I can't wait to put on the maroon and gold, and get to work."

From 1999-2008, Garner Smith worked at the NCAA where she served as Associate Director and Agent for Gambling and Amateurism Activities. Before her time at the NCAA, she served as Deputy Prosecutor in the Marion County attorney's office in Indianapolis.

"Deana brings a unique blend of experience and expertise to our administration," Athletics Director RayAnderson said in a statement. "Her recent work centered on many of the social issues facing the NFL will be an invaluable asset in a collegiate setting and her time with the NCAA will allow her to make a seamless transition into the amateur realm. Not only will she help strengthen Sun Devil Athletics, but she will also serve as a great role model for all of our student-athletes."