Villanova, Pa. -

Villanova University Director of Athletics Mark Jackson today announced the hiring of Josh Heird as Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations and Finance.

"Josh is going to play a key role on our leadership team and we are more than excited to get him on board," said Jackson. "He brings to us a wealth of athletic administrative experience around capital projects, finance, fan experience and overall project and event management. I look forward to leaning on his experience in a number of different areas and his oversight of our internal operations. We look forward to welcoming Josh, Abbey and his entire family to the Nova Nation."

Heird arrives at Villanova from the University of Louisville (UofL) where he served in a number of roles since 2007. Most recently, Heird served as Louisville's Assistant Athletic Director for Championships and Facilities. In this role, Heird had oversight of all capital projects approved by the University of Louisville Athletic Association; he also assisted with the day-to-day management of all facility operations. On top of his facility responsibilities, he was responsible for the management of any ACC and NCAA post-season events hosted by the University of Louisville.

During his time at UofL, Heird helped design and oversee the construction of the Jim Patterson Baseball Stadium expansion, the Ulmer Softball Stadium expansion, the building of the Dr. Mark and Cindy Lynn Soccer Stadium, the Lacrosse Press Box, as well as the Thorntons Academic Center of Excellence.

Since Heird took over the responsibilities of bidding on and managing NCAA post-season events, the University of Louisville has had the privilege of hosting numerous prestigious events. The 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Regional was held in Louisville - the same Regional the Villanova Men's Basketball team captured on their way to the 2016 National Championship. Louisville has also served as home to the 2015 and 2012 Men's and Women's Cross Country National Championships, the 2015 and 2012 Men's Basketball Second and Third Rounds, the 2014 Women's Basketball Regional, 2012 Women's Volleyball National Championship, and the 2012 Field Hockey National Championship.

"I am beyond excited to get to Villanova and begin working with Athletic Director Mark Jackson and the entire Villanova staff," said Heird. "This is such a great fit for me and my family on so many levels. From a family standpoint with my wife growing up in Ocean City, it's great for her to be able to return to the Philadelphia area. On a professional level, to be able to work for an institution that has the national reputation that Villanova has is really a dream come true."

Heird started his Louisville career as the Assistant Director of Championships in April of 2007 before being promoted to Director of Championships in 2009.

Between 2007 and 2009, Heird spent time working in the athletic business office, ticket office, and the marketing department.

Prior to his time at UofL, Heird spent five years in Washington, DC working for Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho and Senator Wayne Allard of Colorado.

He is a 2002 graduate of Mississippi College where he was a member of the cross country, track & field and football teams. In addition to being the American Southwest Conference 800 meter champion in 2001, Heird was an All-Conference cross country selection in 2001 and was an Academic All-Conference honoree every semester of his career. Heird received his MBA from the University of Louisville in 2009.

Heird is married to the former Abbey Woolley, a native of Ocean City, NJ. The Heird's have two children, Hadley, who is two, and Gus, who was born November 15th.