SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech has announced John Czarnecki as its new Director of Athletics. Czarnecki joins Cobleskill from SUNY Polytechnic Institute, where he most recently served as Director of Athletics, bringing nearly two decades of experience in collegiate athletics, including 13 years as an athletic director at both public and private higher education institutions.
At SUNY Poly, Czarnecki provided leadership for a 13-sport NCAA Division III athletics department of more than 200 student-athletes while overseeing strategic planning, compliance, staffing, fundraising, facilities, and a $2 million operating budget.
One of his most significant accomplishments came in leading SUNY Poly’s transition into the Empire 8 Conference. He directed the department’s conference transition by coordinating scheduling, compliance, operations, and competitive planning to ensure a seamless move into the new league while positioning the program for long-term success.
“John’s experience leading SUNY Poly through a conference transition made him an ideal fit as Cobleskill prepares for its own move into the SUNYAC,” said Dr. Anne Hopkins Gross, Vice President for Student Development. “He brings a proven record of strengthening athletics programs, from facilities and fundraising to student-athlete engagement, and we’re confident he’ll bring that same vision to the Fighting Tigers. We welcome him to the Cobleskill community, ready to support him as he hits the ground running on behalf of our student-athletes and coaches.” “I am honored and excited to join SUNY Cobleskill as the new Director of Athletics,” said Czarnecki. “I am grateful to President Terenzio, Vice President for Student Development Dr. Hopkins Gross, Dr. Matt LaLonde, and the entire search committee for their confidence in me and for the opportunity to lead Cobleskill Athletics.”
“I was drawn to the College because of its strong sense of community, commitment to student-athletes, and the tremendous opportunity ahead as we transition to the SUNYAC,” Czarnecki continued. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and working with our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and campus community to take Cobleskill Athletics to new heights.”
Prior to joining SUNY Poly, Czarnecki served as director of athletics at both Hartwick College and Hilbert College. Throughout his collegiate athletics career, he also served as a graduate assistant, SUNYAC intern, sports information director, assistant basketball coach, assistant athletic director, and associate athletic director, providing extensive experience across nearly every facet of athletic administration.
As Director of Athletics, Czarnecki will provide strategic leadership for Cobleskill’s intercollegiate athletics, fitness, and recreation programs. He will oversee the continued development of the student-athlete experience while supporting competitive success, strengthening relationships across campus and within the community, and positioning Fighting Tiger Athletics for continued success.
Czarnecki becomes the seventh person to serve as Director of Athletics at SUNY Cobleskill since the College first became affiliated with a national governing body in 1946. Czarnecki earned his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Potsdam before completing his master’s degree at SUNY Cortland. He and his wife, Jill, have two children, Jason and Jenna.
