Matt Elliott confirmed as Hawaii’s new athletic director

Matt Elliott, an innovative administrator for 13 years and the past 18 months with the Hawaii Community Foundation, today was named as the University of Hawaii’s athletic director.

Two weeks ago, UH president Wendy Hensel recommended Elliott from an initial field of more than 110 applicants. Hensel’s recommendation was confirmed during today’s special Board of Regents meeting on the UH Manoa campus.

Hensel made an official recommendation during the meeting. Ten Regents then met in a 30-minute executive session. The Regents unanimously approve Elliott.

Gabe Lee, BOR chair and co-chair of the search committee, described Elliott as the “best overall candidate.”

Regent Neil Abercrombie said Elliott will need more community support. Abercrombie also said Elliott faces the challenge of the future of a replacement for Aloha Stadium, which was shuttered for spectator-attended events in December 2020.

Regent Lauren Akitake said Elliott’s law background will be useful in leading UH’s 21-sports program. Elliott has a juris doctorate degree from Northwestern.

At UCLA, Elliott was instrumental in the Bruins’ move from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten.