ARLINGTON, Texas — UT Arlington Deputy Athletic Director for Development and General Manager of Athletics Ira Childress has been selected to participate in the 2026 National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) Senior Leadership Seminar.

"I'm honored to be selected for the Leadership Seminar and looking forward to working with some of the top athletic development professionals from around the country," Childress said.

Childress is in his third year at UTA and has helped lead Maverick Athletics to record fundraising totals in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Under his leadership, UTA Athletics has continued to strengthen donor engagement and elevate philanthropic support across the department.

Most recently, UTA Athletics set a new Mavs Day record with nearly $350,000 raised across all programs. Childress was nominated for NAADD 2025-26 Fundraiser of the Year. 

The seminar will bring together athletic development professionals from across the country to discuss leadership, culture-building, and navigating the evolving landscape of modern college athletics.

The event will take place June 7-10 during the annual NACDA Convention at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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