WASHINGTON – The appointment of JM Caparro as the next Director of Athletics and Recreation at American University was announced by President Sylvia Burwell on Tuesday, April 2. Caparro is the 15th Director of Athletics at AU, and will begin his duties on June 1, succeeding Dr. Billy Walker as he retires after more than 11 years.

Caparro has spent the last nine years at Boston College, including serving as Deputy Athletic Director since 2022 and previously as Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs. He oversees the day-to-day operations of the athletics department and its 31 varsity programs; serves as sport administrator for football, women’s lacrosse and women’s volleyball (and formerly for men’s basketball, men’s and women’s skiing, and men’s and women’s fencing); and leads Ticket Sales and Service, Marketing, Multimedia Rights, Communications, Ticket Operations, Equipment Operations, Facilities Operations, and Event Management. 

He also develops and implements strategic initiatives to maximize revenue opportunities, which recently included record-setting apparel and multimedia rights partnerships for Boston College.

Caparro joins the Eagles at an exciting time as AU recently broke ground on the Alan and Amy Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance, AU’s first new athletic building in more than 30 years. 

As part of the transition, incoming president Jonathan Alger met with Caparro.

JM is an accomplished athletic leader who prioritizes the holistic growth and success of student-athletes. His innovative approach and deep understanding of current issues facing the NCAA and collegiate athletics will help AU and our student-athletes thrive. I’m looking forward to working with him and celebrating championships in Bender Arena, the Meltzer Center, and all our competition fields.

Jonathan Alger, Incoming American University President

Before joining Boston College, Caparro was the vice president of ticket sales and service for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, where he managed more than $70 million annually in ticket sales and service functions. He helped lead the Nets’ relocation from the Izod Center to Prudential Center in New Jersey, and then on to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, bringing the first professional franchise back to Brooklyn in over 50 years. Prior to the Nets, Caparro was a member of the Team Marketing and Business Operations group with the NBA league office. 

A native of Upper Saddle River, N.J., Caparro graduated from Lehigh University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the College of Business. At Lehigh, he was also a member of the varsity football team. Caparro and his wife, Karen, are the parents of four children: Joseph, Caroline, Sophia, and Isabel.

I am grateful to President Burwell and her team for giving me the honor to serve as American’s next Director of Athletics and Recreation. This is an incredible opportunity to serve at a first-class university, an institution which places a high value on both academics and athletics. I look forward to working tirelessly alongside our coaches and staff, as we look to provide the best experience possible for our student-athletes. My family and I are excited to join the AU family and ingrain ourselves in the community.

JM Caparro

American University's intercollegiate athletics program includes nearly 300 student-athletes competing in 16 varsity sports. A member of the Patriot League since 2001, AU teams have won 48 postseason team championships and have garnered 133 individual and relay conference titles in cross country, track, and swimming & diving.

Over the past academic year, AU's scholar-athletes earned a 3.45 average GPA. American University student-athletes have earned Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors a total of 69 times across all 15 league sports since 2001.

What They're Saying about JM Caparro

I am so happy for JM and his entire family. While we are devastated to lose him, I know he will go on and do great things for AU and their community. Having him as our sport administrator at Boston College was the greatest gift to my team over the years, because he shaped our program and worked hard to continuously build it every day. Now, it’s JM’s time, and I am so excited for him, Karen and the kids to take on this incredible opportunity. American University is lucky to have him.

Acacia Walker-Weinstein, Head Coach of Boston College Women’s Lacrosse – 2021 National Champions

JM is an innovative leader who consistently brings solutions to the table. His people-first approach allows him to serve student-athletes and teammates in an exceptional manner. JM and his family will be an incredible addition to the American University community!

Martin Jarmond, The Alice and Nahum Lainer Family Director of Athletics at UCLA

JM played a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of our department at Boston College. His adeptness in fostering relationships within the campus community, as well as with donors and external partners, is unparalleled. He possesses a unique talent for connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, which was instrumental in advancing our department's new initiatives. His dedication, expertise, and integrity make him an invaluable asset to any institution. American University is fortunate to have him join their team, and I am confident that he will make an instant impact to their athletic department.

Dr. Patrick Kraft, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at Penn State

At BC, we are family and we are sad to be losing one of our own! JM has been a dynamic presence within our Athletic department and the University. He has stepped up twice to be our interim AD and has been a personal friend to me. We have worked on many things together; loved being on coach searches with him. I've seen what he can do and am grateful for what he has done for us. Now it is time for JM to share his gifts and talents with another outstanding institution. He is an Eagle through and through (BC to AU) and will take American to new heights.

John T. Butler, S.J. Haub Vice President at Boston College

I had the opportunity to work with JM at the Brooklyn Nets, and he has always stood out as a dynamic and passionate leader. His exceptional creativity has enabled a successful transition from the professional sports space to the collegiate world. I’m looking forward to watching him thrive at American University; they are lucky to have him.

Fred Mangione, Managing Director MM Sports Consulting/Former COO Brooklyn Nets, Barclays Center