Witt/Kieffer, a leading executive search firm, has announced the appointment of former Big 12 Conference commissioner Dan Beebe, J.D., as “Of Counsel” for its Sports Leadership Practice. Beebe, who has nearly 30 years of experience in conference administration and NCAA rules enforcement, will support Witt/Kieffer in the recruitment of leaders for athletic departments at major colleges and universities, as well as sports foundations and charities and professional athletic organizations.
Beebe is currently a partner with BMT Risk Management, which works with sports organizations to ensure compliance and maintain integrity. Prior to joining BMT, Beebe served the Big 12 Conference as associate commissioner/COO from 2003-2007, and commissioner from 2007-2011. He has been credited by many with holding the league together and successfully guiding it through the most tumultuous period in its history. Before leaving as commissioner, he finalized a landmark 13-year agreement between the Big 12 and Fox Sports Media Group. Beebe also represented the conference on numerous national boards, including the Bowl Championship Series, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee and as an advisor to the NCAA Football Rules Committee.
Beebe’s tenure with the Big 12 followed 14 years with the Ohio Valley Conference. Prior to his conference work, Beebe was an enforcement specialist with the NCAA, promoted to director of enforcement in 1988. He oversaw numerous high-profile enforcement rulings, including those involving Southern Methodist University, Oklahoma, Kansas and UNLV.
Beebe earned a Bachelor of Science, cum laude, in social sciences from California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly-Pomona), where he also played on the varsity football team. He then attended the University of California Hastings College of the Law, earning his J.D. in 1982.
“Dan’s vast experience leading collegiate athletic institutions and unique breadth of knowledge will provide tremendous support for Witt/Kieffer’s Sports Leadership practice,” said Charles (Chuck) W.B. Wardell III, president and CEO of Witt/Kieffer.
“Dan knows the landscape of collegiate sports as well as anyone in the industry,” said Greg Santore, who heads up Witt/Kieffer’s Sports Leadership practice. “He is familiar with what skills make a great leader in the athletic world—such as building consensus, raising money, and communicating with alumni and stakeholders. I can’t think of a better person to help us support the search process for universities and sports foundations.”
Beebe said the pairing with Witt/Kieffer is unique to the industry.
“Together we offer a service that I believe is unique in the athletics searches—the combination of respected experts in conducting searches and my direct experience as a sports organization leader who understands the challenges of operating high level sports programs,” he said. “This work is a natural fit with my passion and consulting business.”
