Candace Smith, Executive Associate AD, Business & Administrative Services/CFO at Ohio University, joins A Chat in the Garden

Candace Smith is in her first year at Ohio University and 18 th year overall in collegiate athletics. Smith joined the Ohio Bobcats in March 2025 as the Executive Associate Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer and serves as a member of the athletics executive leadership team, advising the Athletic Director of strategic priorities and departmental direction. Her professional oversight includes Business Operations, Human resources, Compliance and Video Broadcasting while having sport oversight of Women’s Basketball.At Akron, Smith played an instrumental role in advancing the athletic department in various capacities during her time on staff. Most recently serving as the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations, Smith was the department’s Chief Financial Officer and oversaw Human Resources, Sports Medicine, Information Technology and the departmental travel program in addition to her Business Operations oversight. As part of the senior leadership team, she assisted the Director of Athletics with strategic direction for the entire athletic department and also had sport oversight which included Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Volleyball, and Track & Field/Cross Country at various times during her tenure.Prior to transitioning into administration, Smith worked as the Director of Operations for the Women’s Basketball team. During this time, she was responsible for managing the daily operations of the office, budgetary management, travel coordination and summer camps. In 2016, while serving in this position, Smith was recognized as a Goodwill Employee of Distinction honoree.Smith attended Central Michigan University earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance. She later earned her Master of Business Administration from The University of Akron.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.