FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (September 16, 2026) – Northern Arizona University Vice President and Director of Athletics
Dr. Richard Duran announced a series of staff promotions, additions and expanded responsibilities as the department continues to streamline its organizational structure and position NAU Athletics for future growth.
Duran's reimagined senior staff is directly aligned to position NAU Athletics with President José Luis Cruz Rivera's Elevating Excellence strategic roadmap to 2030.
"These changes position Lumberjack Athletics for both our short- and long-term growth," Duran said. "They also align with the future direction of the institution as we build upon the success of our student-athletes, coaches and staff."
As part of the reorganization,
Stayson Isobe has been elevated to Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations. Isobe, who returned to NAU in July 2025 as Associate Athletic Director for Communications & Brand Strategy, will oversee the department's communications, marketing and fan engagement, and broadcast operations while continuing to serve as the primary communications contact for football and men's basketball in his new role.
Duran realigned the previous Student-Athlete Services department, allowing NAU's academic services and compliance units to operate as distinct areas. As part of the realignment, each unit will receive direct support from the Athletic Director's chair.
Sheridan Cook will assume direct oversight of the department's compliance operation as Associate Athletic Director for Compliance, while
Brenna Johnston will transition into the role of Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services.
Duran also welcomes three new members to his senior staff, all of whom have ties to NAU.
Brent Appel will serve as Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Medicine, returning to the Lumberjacks after serving as part of the Sports Medicine team in a variety of roles from 2013-21. In his new role, Appel will provide leadership and oversight of sports medicine, sport psychology, strength and conditioning and nutrition.
Corie Saganitso, a proud NAU alum and member of the Navajo tribe, will serve as Financial Oversight Director/CFO for Lumberjack Athletics, while
Dennis Cutts officially joins the department's leadership team as the Associate Athletic Director for Administration. Saganitso joins the department from NAU's Steve Sanghi College of Engineering. Cutts, a longtime basketball coach including stints as head coach at UC Riverside and assistant coach at NAU from 1999-2002, will provide administrative and coaching support, with a strategic focus on NAU's basketball programs.
The department has also added
Mateo Rengifo as Associate Athletic Director for Marketing and Fan Engagement. Rengifo will lead marketing initiatives designed to build the Lumberjack brand, enhance the fan experience and drive engagement beyond the Dark Sky City.
"Our staff has bought into where we are headed, and our campus leadership has been incredibly supportive of our vision for taking NAU Athletics to even greater heights," Duran said. "With our new senior staff, our external constituents including our alumni, donors and fans will be better served."
