WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Palm Beach Atlantic Athletic Director Courtney Lovely Evans announced the promotion of TJ Budd to Deputy Athletic Director, effective July 1.

"TJ has been an invaluable member of our department for more than a decade and a key member of our senior leadership team since 2018," Lovely Evans said. "I am grateful to have someone with his expertise to rely on in this elevated role. His commitment to our student-athletes and coaches has made a significant impact on our department. This promotion recognizes the leadership he has already demonstrated and positions our department well as we continue to grow."

Budd has served as Senior Associate Athletic Director since September 2024, a role in which he provided leadership across departmental operations, fundraising efforts, communications, facilities, game operations, and strategic initiatives. He also served as the sport administrator at various points for 16 of PBA's 18 varsity sports.

"I'm grateful to President Debra Schwinn, Courtney Lovely Evans and the university leadership for their trust and support," Budd said. "Palm Beach Atlantic has a special mission, and I'm excited to continue serving our coaches, staff and student-athletes as we pursue excellence academically, athletically and spiritually."

In his new position, Budd will serve as the chief operating officer, overseeing departmental operations, administration, facilities coordination, communications, personnel management, budgeting support and policy implementation while working closely with the Director of Athletics to advance departmental priorities and the student-athlete experience.

Budd will provide executive leadership and strategic oversight for departmental operations and organizational development, partner with the Director of Athletics on budget planning and resource allocation, oversee athletics facilities and game operations, provide oversight of athletics communications and external messaging, supervise assigned staff and support professional development, continue to serve as sport administrator for assigned programs and help ensure compliance with NCAA Division II, Sunshine State Conference and university policies and regulations.

Budd recently completed his 11th year at PBA and his 18th year overall in college athletics. He was hired as Sports Information Director in 2015 before joining PBA's senior leadership team in 2018 when he was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications. Budd led the athletic communications department while serving as a sport administrator for three additional years before transitioning out of communications.

He has spearheaded PBA's external rental efforts and played a key role in bringing groups such as the New England Patriots, Nashville SC and the Coast-to-Coast NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Multi-Team Event to campus.

Budd was selected by the NCAA Leadership Development Office and the Board of Governors Committee to Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity as one of 22 senior-level administrators nationwide to participate in the NCAA Pathway Program in 2021. The program is designed to prepare participants for future roles as athletics directors or conference commissioners. Budd was one of just five administrators selected from NCAA Division II.

Adding to his list of leadership achievements, Budd was elected chair of the NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Tennis Committee and served in that role from 2021-23 after joining the national committee in 2019. As chair, he helped oversee the first joint tennis championships featuring all three NCAA divisions.