A seasoned Division I leader with a track record of building programs, driving revenue growth and elevating the student-athlete experience, Scott Byrd was named as the department's 11th Director of Athletics on March 26, 2026.
Byrd comes to UNC Pembroke after severing as executive associate athletic director for external affairs at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he oversees all external operations, including marketing, strategic communications, ticketing, branding, multimedia rights and digital production.
During his tenure at Charlotte, Byrd has played a key role in the department's long-term growth, including helping launch the university's football program and guiding its transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision — the highest level of NCAA competition. He has also chaired multiple head coaching search committees and partnered on major initiatives tied to facilities, revenue generation and program development.
A member of the department's executive leadership team, Byrd also manages key areas within a $50 million Division I athletics budget and serves as sport administrator for men's basketball. He has helped establish new ticket revenue benchmarks while expanding fan engagement and strengthening the program's overall brand visibility.
Earlier in his career, Byrd served in compliance leadership roles at both North Carolina State University and Wake Forest University. He began his professional career working in financial aid at Central Piedmont Community College.
Byrd holds a Master of Science in Leadership and Organizational Change from Pfeiffer University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He and his wife, Jenny, have four children: Matt, 19, Duncan, 16, Everett, 12 and Mallory, 9.
| What They're Saying About Scott Byrd… |
| "Scott Byrd has been a wonderful colleague and leader at UNC Charlotte, serving in our athletics department for more than 15 years. He has worked across numerous areas, ranging from compliance and Title IX to marketing and communications to digital production and multimedia rights. This vast and evolving range of experience and knowledge will serve him well as the athletics director at UNC Pembroke."
Sharon L. Gaber
Chancellor
UNC Charlotte
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| "I know the Braves are accustomed to winning championships, and they just won another one with the hiring of Scott Byrd. Scott is supremely talented, highly intelligent, and most importantly a fantastic human being. He is a winner in every sense of the word and will lead UNC Pembroke with strength, class and humility. Scott is built for this opportunity and the student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans will love him."
Mike Hill
Former Director of Athletics
UNC Charlotte
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| "In the time I've spent with Scott, I've been impressed by his leadership, his authenticity and his ability to build meaningful relationships. He has a natural way of connecting with people and earning the respect of colleagues across campus, which is critical in today's environment. He's the right leader at the right time and an excellent hire for UNC Pembroke. I'm excited to see the momentum and success he will build under his leadership."
Kevin White
Director of Athletics
UNC Charlotte
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| "Pembroke has made an excellent choice in hiring Scott Byrd. He brings a wealth of experience, having served on the executive staff within the athletic department and serving in many different roles over his tenure at Charlotte."
Judy Rose
Athletic Director Emerita
UNC Charlotte
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