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The University of Maryland has found a new athletic director in former baseball executive James E. Smith who will oversee the school's athletic department.

According to a press release, Smith will be the new Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics for the school. He comes from his most recent position as the senior vice president of business strategy for the Atlanta Braves.

He has over 20 years of experience in the sports industry with the Braves, Ohio State University, Columbus Crew, and with Arthur M. Blank Sports & Entertainment that oversaw the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United of the MLS.

"We are proud of the athletics tradition here at the University of Maryland and of the accomplishments of our coaches and student-athletes who represent the red, black, white and gold," said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. "As college athletics rapidly evolves, Jim brings valuable administrative and business experience, plus the energy, vision and passion to lead our athletics program to new levels of success and impact."

Smith will take over a Department of Intercollegiate Athletics team of more than 250 full-time staff members who support more than 550 student-athletes.

"It is a great honor to be chosen to lead the athletics department at the University of Maryland and to guide UMD’s storied programs into the next era," said Smith. "I am highly motivated to build upon excellence and lead Maryland forward in a dynamic and pivotal time for intercollegiate athletics, with a sharp focus on student-athlete health, well-being and academic success."

He will assume the new position starting July 15 and will help the school continue its success in the Big Ten Conference, where it has captured 49 conference championships, the third-most of any school in the conference since joining.