Dupage Policy Journal

Maureen Harty, Executive Director of the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW), will retire in November after a 38-year career in collegiate athletics. Harty has led the CCIW since 2019, following previous roles as Commissioner at the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference and Associate Director at the NCAA national office. Her background includes administrative positions across Division I, Division III, NAIA, and work with the NCAA.

“Division III athletics continues to offer the best balance between academics and athletics – it truly represents everything that is right about college sports,” Harty said. “Division III student-athletes play for the pure love of the game, and that passion is evident in everything they do.”

Harty became only the second full-time commissioner in CCIW history. Under her leadership, CCIW teams secured six team national championships and 30 individual national championships. The conference expanded its sport sponsorship during her tenure by adding women’s bowling in 2020 and women’s wrestling in 2022, bringing its total to 26 sports. In 2023, CCIW became the first NCAA Division III conference to host a women's wrestling championship.

A major rebranding effort was undertaken in 2021 with new logos and updated signage introduced throughout member institutions. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) grew to include an executive board and established a partnership with Special Olympics. Additional recognition programs such as Elite 26 and RESPECT awards were launched for student-athletes. Coaches and administrators also saw increased professional development opportunities.

“Over the past six years, I've had the privilege of working with incredible Division III student-athletes, coaches and administrators in the CCIW,” Harty added. “I'm proud of the strides we've made to enhance the CCIW championship experience and uphold the values of Division III.”

Nationally, Harty served on several committees including as an executive board member for the Division III Commissioners Association (DIIICA), chairing its Championships Committee, and currently serves on the NCAA Division III Championships Committee. She also participated as a trained facilitator for initiatives like “Division III LGBTQ OneTeam” and “GameDay the DIII Way.”

“Throughout my 38 years in college athletics, I've been fortunate to travel to exciting places, witness unforgettable moments in college sports and work with some of the most dedicated professionals in the industry,” Harty said. “Many of these colleagues have become lifelong friends, and for that — and so much more — I feel truly blessed.”

The CCIW Council of Presidents is scheduled to meet on September 12 to discuss plans for selecting a new Executive Director.

"I have had the pleasure of working closely with Mo for the past decade as a Division III commissioner and a former colleague at the NCAA national office. Her unwavering dedication to collegiate athletics, gender equity and student-athlete development has left a lasting mark on our division. Her leadership, integrity, and professionalism have inspired countless colleagues, including me, and she will be deeply missed," said Louise McCleary, NCAA Vice President of Division III.

“Mo Harty has led one of America’s best D3 conferences to greater excellence through her competitive drive, passion for excellence in the student-athlete experience, and vast experience with the NCAA,” commented Philip G. Ryken, Wheaton College President.

“I've had the pleasure of working with Mo since she was our rep with (Academic Membership Affairs). She became a trusted colleague as commissioner of HCAC and now CCIW. Mo has always worked hard for students, administrators or schools under her care—whether at NCAA or as commissioner—it is bittersweet knowing she is retiring but she has more than earned this new chapter,” stated Keri Alexander Luchowski from North Coast Athletic Conference.

“We all wish Mo very best in her upcoming retirement...Mo has served conference extremely well providing strong professional leadership during tenure...grown sports sponsorship within conference bettering student-athlete experience while finding creative ways solidifying developing existing programs...acknowledge thank Mo professionalism collaborative attitude positive demeanor,” added Jim Miller from North Central College.