EP 9: Desiree Reed Francois plus Ryan Alpert, Marcus Bowman, & Ashton Henderson

Strategic vision, sport admin in the spotlight, and a call for values-based leadership—Episode 9 of The CALS Report explores what it takes to lead with clarity and courage in the most transformational era college athletics has ever seen. In The Big Interview, Ryan Bradley sits down with University of Arizona Vice President and Director of Athletics Desiree Reed-Francois, who shares how her team is navigating realignment, revenue sharing, and organizational change through the Bear Down Blueprint. She opens up about the importance of performance metrics, supporting coaches as true partners, and building a sustainable “Platinum Era” in Tucson—rooted in integrity, alignment, and community impact. In The Lobby, three rising leaders—Ashton Henderson (George Mason), Marcus Bowman (Oklahoma), and Ryan Alpert (Tennessee)—offer a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to lead from the deputy chair. From handling the House settlement and evolving sport administrator roles, to sharing career lessons and revenue strategies, this segment is packed with practical insight and real-world leadership perspective. Episode 9 is a masterclass in strategic planning, peer leadership, and navigating change with purpose—and a reminder that even in uncertainty, the right people and principles still make all the difference.