Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is proud to announce the appointment of Jannelle Iaquinto as its next Athletic Director, bringing to the position nearly two decades of experience in collegiate athletics, executive leadership, program expansion, and championship-level coaching across NCAA Division I, II, and III.

"We are so excited to have Jannelle joining the team. She has an impressive history of taking programs to the next level, but more importantly, she never loses sight of the student-athlete experience," said Embry-Riddle Dean of Student Success Jennah Perry. "Having her as the Athletic Director is a major win for the Eagles, and I'm ready to see her hit the ground running."

Iaquinto joins Embry-Riddle from Barry University, where she most recently served as Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Wellness, Compliance & Operations, Senior Woman Administrator, and Deputy Title IX Coordinator. A key member of Barry's executive leadership team, she oversaw daily operations for more than 60 staff, guided strategic planning, and led multiple initiatives that strengthened student-athlete support, departmental compliance, and organizational efficiency.

During her tenure, Barry University experienced unprecedented growth—adding eight varsity programs and two development teams, expanding its student-athlete population from 250 to over 500. In 2026, the department is on track to sponsor 22 varsity sports and nearly 600 student-athletes. Iaquinto played a central role in building the infrastructure to support this expansion, including managing a $5.3 million scholarship budget, implementing operational workflows, enhancing wellness programming, supervising athletic training, strength and conditioning, and multiple sport programs.

A former Division I softball student-athlete and first-generation college graduate, Iaquinto brings a deeply rooted commitment to student-athlete welfare. At Barry, she developed mental-health education initiatives, strengthened partnerships with campus support offices, enhanced gender-equity and Title IX compliance, and created leadership and professional-development programs for athletes and staff. She also served as chair of the Compliance Committee and represented the institution at conference and national governance events, including the NCAA Convention, RAC, and NACDA.

Before transitioning to leadership roles, Iaquinto built an accomplished coaching career highlighted by conference titles, NCAA tournament appearances, national rankings, and multiple student-athlete accolades. Her coaching roles include leadership positions at Salve Regina University, Marist College, Lesley University, Merrimack College, Emerson College, and Suffolk University. At Salve Regina, she earned Conference Coach of the Year honors and led her team to a 2017 Conference Championship and NCAA Regional appearance.

Iaquinto holds a Master's degree in Integrated Marketing & Communication from Marist College and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Siena College, where she competed as a Division I pitcher.

"I am deeply honored to be named Athletic Director at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Chancellor Dr. Ken Witcher, Dean of Student Success Dr. Jennah Perry, and the entire hiring committee for entrusting me with this responsibility," said Iaquinto.
"From the moment I stepped onto campus I became immediately inspired by the spirit, history and unwavering commitment to innovation that defines ERAU.

We have a remarkable foundation in athletics to build upon. I look forward to working in close partnership with university leadership and working alongside exceptional coaches and staff. Together, we will advance our mission and elevate our department to ensure student-athletes are fully empowered to achieve excellence in every pursuit."