Three names to watch in Houston’s search for a new athletic director

Houston’s search committee for a new athletic director has faced some minor setbacks since Hurricane Beryl hit the city two weeks ago. They’ll ramp up their efforts to find a replacement for Chris Pezman in the coming week with a renewed focus on a new vision. It could be the most important decision of UH President Renu Khator’s tenure. Here are three names to watch for in Houston going forward.

The longtime administrator has a distinguished career in athletic administration, having served as executive assistant athletic director/chief operating officer at LSU for four years before taking a similar role at Nevada. Over 25 years, Rempe has built a reputation as a respected leader in intercollegiate athletics. Her roles at LSU, Texas A&M, the University of Washington, the University of Oklahoma and UTEP highlight her extensive experience in managing athletic programs, negotiating contracts and leading diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Rempe’s goal is to build a successful athletic program based on academic excellence, diversity and community partnership. Nevada President Brian Sandoval praised his strategic vision and commitment to personal development. Rempe’s tenure has ushered in a new era of competitive excellence and holistic leadership at Wolfpack Athletics.

Dickey joined Boise State University three years ago after serving as associate vice president for intercollegiate athletics at Baylor University. His early days included a pivotal football coaching hire, which brought back Andy Avalos. Dickey quickly influenced the department with strategic initiatives like the What’s Next initiative, which focused on long-term success through infrastructure improvements, revenue generation, the student-athlete experience and marketing.

Dickey’s efforts have yielded significant fundraising results, with more than $30 million in philanthropic commitments. Under his leadership, Boise State launched the Athletics Master Village for comprehensive facility improvements. His innovative revenue strategies include the award-winning Name, Image and Likeness program. The Broncos have excelled in both athletics and academics, with record-breaking student-athlete performances and academic accolades.

Fletcher has been a key figure in Houston sports management over the past decade, serving as executive director of the Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl and the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff, and as a director of Lone Star Sports & Entertainment (LSSE). Promoted to general manager of LSSE in 2016, he has solidified NRG Stadium’s reputation for major events. His accomplishments include attendance records for the 2014 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff and the 2015 Texas Bowl. He previously worked with the Houston Texans and managed major corporate partnerships. Fletcher, a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, has been recognized in the Houston Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” and serves on several prestigious sports committees.