David Steele named interim athletic director

HUNTINGTON -- Known informally as the "money man" within Marshall University athletics, David Steele added the job of interim athletic director to his resume.

Steele, associate athletic director for finance, was appointed to the post Wednesday, Marshall President Stephen J. Kopp announced. He replaces Bob Marcum, whose contract completed Tuesday. A search for a permanent athletic director is underway.

An athletic director is expected to be hired within a month and a half.

Meanwhile, Steele plans to allow athletic department officials to continue their routines, offering guidance when needed.

"Obviously, we have a great staff here at Marshall and we appreciate everything Mr. Marcum has done," Steele said, moments after the announcement. "We plan to keep things moving forward during this short transition time. I appreciate the opportunity and I'll work hard and do the best I can during this short time to do the best I can to keep things moving."

Believe Steele when he vows to work hard. From sunrise to far beyond sunset, Steele resides in his Shewey Building office. He will not include his name among candidates for the permanent position, but accepted the opportunity to temporarily replace Marcum, whose tenure concluded Tuesday.

"President Kopp believes that David Steele will lead our department through our transition faze as we continue our search for the next athletic director at Marshall University," Marshall Chief of Staff Bill Bissett said. "David brings tremendous financial acumen and ability to this interim position and we appreciate his willingness to serve in this capacity.

Steele, who grew up in Texas, has been at Marshall since fall 1995. His responsibilities include overseeing business operations, budgeting, video and concessions while assisting the athletic director with football scheduling. Steele is also treasurer and a member of the Big Green Executive Committee.

Steele and his wife, Diana, have one daughter, Madison, 18.

"I'm going to let them do their thing and make sure they have all the support they need," Steele said. "They know what they're doing and we have a staff that's focused on the task at hand. I'll make sure the student-athletes and coaches get all the support they need."

Marcum, a Huntington native and Marshall graduate, initially headed his alma mater's athletic department on an interim basis. Seven years later, the administrative veteran vacated his office.

Under his watch, a new weight room, softball facility and Shewey Building renovations were constructed along with locker room upgrades for men's and women's basketball and volleyball. An on-campus baseball field and an indoor practice facility remain priorities.

"We wish Mr. Marcum the very best as he enters a new chapter in his life," Bissett said. "His accomplishments at Marshall University will be remembered and I'm certain to some degree his will remain a familiar sight in his hometown in Huntington.

Eastman & Beaudine, a Dallas-based executive recruitment firm, was hired to target candidates for the permanent spot. The process could be concluded sooner than otherwise. Steele referenced a short transition period several times on Wednesday, and Bissett echoed Marshall's interim director.

"At this time the search process continues, but we are not going to release any specifics as to the point where we are within the process, but I can say that it is proceeding with best speed," Bissett said. "This position has a great deal of national attention and we hope to have more information to release in the very near future.

"It is hopeful the process could be concluded earlier than the originally suggested six- to eight-week period."

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