Dave Heeke


Dave Heeke is an American former university sports administrator who last served as athletic director at the University of Arizona.

College

Heeke earned a bachelor's degree in 1985 from Albion College, where he was a member of the club hockey team and co-captain of the baseball team, then earning a master's degree from Ohio State University in 1987.

Career

Heeke served 18 years at the University of Oregon, initially holding a role boosting the program's support in Portland. He became athletics director of Central Michigan University on January 16, 2006, and served 11 years in the role. Heeke then became director of athletics at the University of Arizona on April 1, 2017. His five-year contract began with a $500,000 annual salary plus incentives, escalating annually. He received a new contract which extended his run as school athletic director through the 2024-25 season but was replaced on February 2, 2024 by former Wildcats Softball coach Mike Candrea, who served as interim athletic director until the hiring of Desireé Reed-Francois which was announced on February 19, 2024.
Hires while at Arizona:

Family

Heeke and his wife, Liz, are parents to three boys, Ryan, Max and Zach.