Dell Robinson is a practice leader and senior consultant with Spelman Johnson and leads the firm’s athletics practice. He partners with organizations of all types to recruit athletic directors, commissioners, coaches, and other leaders across all athletic associations, divisions, and conferences.
A former NCAA Division I athlete with over 25 years of experience in athletic leadership, Dell understands the complexities involved in managing college sports, including the particular challenges and opportunities facing programs in each of the NCAA’s three divisions. He draws on his deep experience in sports and athletic administration and leverages his extensive professional network to deliver outstanding results for his clients. With a winsome personality, a passion for serving others, and a proven ability to identify and recruit the best talent for diverse roles in athletics, Dell is regarded as one of the top executive search consultants in intercollegiate athletics. Clients and candidates value his knowledge, expertise, integrity, personal attention, and commitment to expanding opportunities for women and professionals of color.
Prior to joining Spelman Johnson Dell served as commissioner of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). When he assumed the role of GLIAC’s commissioner in July 2009, he became the first person of color to serve as an NCAA Division II commissioner of a non-historically Black college or university conference. His previous roles have included associate commissioner of legislation and governance at the Mid-American Conference, assistant commissioner for compliance at the Western Athletic Conference, and director of compliance and enforcement at the Southwestern Athletic Conference. He served as vice chair of the NCAA Division II Collegiate Commissioner Association and as chair of the NCAA Division II Football Committee.
Dell holds a BS in physical education from Ohio University and an MS in sports administration from Iowa State University. He serves on the board of the John McLendon Minority Scholarship Foundation and is a presenter for the NCAA Pathway Program. His service to Ohio University includes membership on the College of Business Executive Advisory Board, two years as a trustee appointed to the Board of Trustees by former Governor John Kasich, and two terms as chair of the National Alumni Association. He is the recipient of the Ohio University Distinguished Service Award.