Chris Massaro
Chris Massaro enters his 16th year at Middle Tennessee looking to build upon the unparalleled success the athletic department has realized since he was named Director of Athletics on April 8, 2005.
Proving to be a true visionary, Massaro has helped revolutionize the Blue Raiders’ athletic department while helping pave the way for even greater success in future years. With Massaro’s leadership, that vision took a historical step on Nov. 29, 2012 when the University accepted an invitation to join Conference USA. The Blue Raiders became official members on July 1, 2013.
Middle Tennessee can boast of a complete athletic department as evidenced by capturing six of a possible eight Sun Belt Conference All-Sports Trophies under Massaro. The Blue Raiders also have had their five highest NACDA Cup finishes in school history during Massaro’s tenure with three appearances in the top 100 the last five years.
The Blue Raiders entertained Georgia Tech in 2011, BYU in 2014, and Vanderbilt in 2017. Future schedules will see the Blue Raiders playing home games against Duke (2019 & 2024), Missouri (2022) and Colorado State (2023).
Along with growing the Middle Tennessee athletic program, Massaro has been instrumental on numerous national boards and committees. He was appointed to the NCAA Football Issues Committee in March 2008, served as a member of the prestigious NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee for the 2010-11 season, and was appointed to the NCAA Division I Leadership Council. He currently is on the state of Tennessee Hall of Fame Board after serving two years as the organization’s president.
The Glenwood Springs, Colo., native earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Northern Colorado in 1983 and his master’s degree in sport administration from Ohio University in 1986. At UNC, Massaro was a five-year football team member.
Massaro is also heavily involved in community service projects and organizations. He is currently a member of the Noon Rotary Club and the Murfreesboro Tennis Commission. He has also served on the Rutherford County United Way Board, the City Golf Commission, the Red Cross Board and on the search committee for the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce president. Massaro and his wife, Cindy, have four children: Hank, Lainey, Rachel, and Ben.
