BOONE, N.C. – App State has hired Aaron Bessey as a Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Operations, Director of Athletics
Doug Gillin announced Tuesday.
Bessey, who most recently served as Athletic Director at Division II Young Harris (Ga.) College, served in external relations roles at UNC Asheville, Lenoir-Rhyne and Georgia State after starting his professional career in marketing with a two-year stint at App State. He will have an integral role in fundraising with the Mountaineers Athletic Fund (MAF) and will oversee marketing, ticketing and fan experience.
"We are thrilled to welcome Aaron and his family back to App State," Gillin said. "His energy and expertise in revenue generation and fan experience will help drive our continued innovation and growth."
Bessey rejoins App State Athletics after serving as the A.D. at Young Harris since July 2024. He oversaw major growth, academic success and competitive improvement during his time leading the Mountain Lions.
"There is no place in the world quite like Appalachian State, and the future of Mountaineer Athletics is brighter now than ever before," Bessey said. "I'd like to thank
Doug Gillin for the opportunity to be reunited with the App State family. I'm excited to get to work!"
From 2022-24, Bessey served as an Associate A.D. at UNC Asheville – first overseeing leadership gifts and then external relations. He was a Senior Associate A.D. and Director of the Bears Club at Lenoir-Rhyne from 2017-22. He held a Director of Marketing title at Georgia State from 2015-17 after beginning his career as a Marketing Assistant and then Assistant Director of Marketing for the Mountaineers in 2013-15.
Bessey was a student manager for NC State's men's basketball team and graduated with a bachelor's degree in sports management/parks and recreation in 2013.
He and his wife, Dr. Caroline Bessey, have a daughter, Sophie.
