Desireé Reed-Francois doesn’t like to talk about herself.
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.”
Rachel Blunt, senior associate athletic director, strategic operations and senior woman administrator at the University of Arizona, addresses local youth group Mini Poderosas before a women’s basketball game at McKale Center, Feb. 4, 2026.
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
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
Blunt
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
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
Candrea
Title: Special assistant to the athletic director
Hiring date: Summer 1985
Student-athlete background: baseball, Central Arizona College
Former Arizona softball coach Mike Candrea gives a quick speech after receiving the Dick Tomey Arizona Strong Award during the Arizona Bowl kickoff luncheon at the Tucson Convention Center on Oct. 21, 2021.
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
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
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
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
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
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
