2019 NACDA and Affiliates Annual Convention

Tamica Smith Jones
Chief Assistant to the GM - Arena Operations
Atlanta Hawks


In 2021, Tamica Smith Jones was tabbed as the first Chief Operating Officer to be hired in the department of Athletics at Kennesaw State University (Division I, FBS). After 25 years serving dynamic institutions, students, athletes and administrators, she announced her retirement from college athletics in April 2025. A nationally recognized trailblazer known for transformative work and inspiring generations, Tamica was drafted to a new role with The Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena as Chief Assistant to the General Manager for Arena Operations. A proven transformational leader with stops at the University of California, Riverside as the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics (2015-2021), the University of Texas, San Antonio (UTSA) as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Internal Affairs (2013-2015) and Clark Atlanta University as the Director of Athletics (2008-2013). In her role as Athletics COO, Smith Jones oversaw the day-to-day operations and oversee strategic planning initiatives, budgets, fundraising, facilities, game operations, employee relations, team performance, and special projects. She served as the program administrator for men’s and women’s basketball. Smith Jones’ was a key leader in the program’s announcement to transition to Conference USA in 2024 and asset advancing The Owls strategic vision forward. A former student athlete, head coach and athletics director, Tamica has been recognized nationally by Women Leaders in College Sports as the 2017 Division I Administrator of the Year and more recently Sports Illustrated and Empower Onyx featured her in their Elle-evate: 100 Most Influential Black Women in Sports series (2022).

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