SEATTLE – Seattle University Athletics has announced a series of administrative promotions, recognizing outstanding leadership within the department while strengthening its organizational structure for the future.
The promotions, effective July 1, 2026, come following Seattle University's first year back in the West Coast Conference and reflect the department's continued commitment to supporting student athlete success while positioning the Redhawks to thrive in the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics. The updated leadership structure is designed to enhance alignment, create operational efficiencies and drive new revenue opportunities.
"These promotions recognize exceptional leaders who have made a meaningful impact on Seattle University Athletics," said Vice President for Athletics Shaney Fink. "As college athletics continues to evolve, it is important that we continue investing in our people and aligning our organizational structure to best support our student athletes, coaches and the long-term success of our programs."
Sarah Finney Promoted to Senior Associate Athletic Director, External Relations
Since joining Seattle University Athletics in 2016, Sarah Finney has played a pivotal role in elevating the Redhawks brand and expanding the department's visibility.
As Senior Associate Athletic Director, External Relations and a member of the Athletics Executive Team, Finney will continue to lead the department's integrated external relations strategy, including communications, marketing, creative content, ticket sales, broadcast production and fan engagement. She will also oversee executive communications, media relations and crisis communications while serving as a key advisor on communications and public relations.
Stephen Johnson Named Associate Athletic Director, Student Services and Sport Administration
After serving Seattle University since March 2019, Stephen Johnson's title has been updated to Associate Athletic Director, Student Services and Sport Administration, reflecting his expanding leadership and responsibilities within the department.
In addition to leading the department's academic support services, Johnson will provide leadership and coordination for Seattle University's sport administration model, supporting and mentoring fellow sport administrators while helping ensure consistency across all athletic programs. He will continue serving as sport administrator for women's basketball, swimming and softball and as a member of the Athletics Senior Leadership Team.
Amy Lagerstrom Promoted to Associate Athletic Director, Operations
Since joining Seattle University Athletics in December 2019, Amy Lagerstrom has provided exceptional leadership in game operations, event management and departmental operations while creating new revenue opportunities through facility utilization.
As Associate Athletic Director, Operations, Lagerstrom will oversee athletics operations, including game and event management, scheduling, logistics, camps and clinics, facility rentals, equipment operations and O'Brien Center operations. She will also direct Athletics office operations and administrative functions while serving on the Athletics Senior Leadership Team.
Brendan Heitz Promoted to Associate Athletic Director, Facilities & Capital Projects
Since joining Seattle University Athletics in September 2021, Brendan Heitz has played a vital role in facilities, event operations and numerous departmental initiatives, while successfully assuming leadership of men's basketball gameday operations this past year.
In his expanded role of Associate Athletic Director, Facilities & Capital Projects, Heitz will provide strategic leadership for athletics facilities, capital projects and emergency management, with an increased emphasis on long-term facility planning, venue relationships and project oversight. He will continue to oversee men's basketball game day operations, support departmental governance and planning meetings and serve on the Athletics Senior Leadership Team.
Marisa Manus Promoted to Associate Director of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trainer
Since arriving at Seattle University Athletics in July 2022, Marisa Manus has made a significant impact through her work with women's basketball and rowing while providing leadership in concussion protocol best practices, new product research and implementation and inventory management.
As Associate Director of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trainer, Manus will assume expanded leadership responsibilities within the department's Sports Medicine unit while continuing to support the health, safety and performance of Seattle University student athletes.
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