Submitted by Saint Martin’s University
Saint Martin’s University has announced that Stephen O’Brien will be their new director of athletics. He succeeds Bob Grisham, who served as athletic director for 37 years and has played an integral role in developing the athletic programs at the university. As director of athletics, O’Brien will oversee thirteen programs and provide visionary leadership, strategic planning, and policy development for the department. He will join the Saint Martin’s community on October 8.
“We are very excited to have Steve join our leadership team. He not only brings significant expertise in athletics and fundraising to this role, but also a deep understanding and appreciation of Catholic higher education. In his conversations with campus partners, it was evident that Steve shares our commitment to people, place, and purpose,” says Saint Martin’s University President Jennifer Bonds-Raacke, Ph.D.
O’Brien comes to Saint Martin’s with over twenty years of external relations experience and sixteen years of experience working in higher education for various athletic programs. Prior to his new role, O’Brien served as senior assistant dean for external relations at Santa Clara University School of Law. In this role, he worked closely with various campus partners including the office of admissions, office of career management, and advancement team. He was also involved with the American Association of Law School’s Sports Law group, Athletics Risk Management & Law Association, Santa Clara University’s Intercollegiate Athletics Department and Santa Clara Law’s Sports & Entertainment Law Society.
“Steve is poised to lead athletics into an exciting new era,” shares Dean of Student Affairs Melanie Richardson. “He brings a strong sense of mission to the position, and we are delighted to welcome him into our community!”
O’Brien worked for numerous athletic departments including serving as the assistant athletic director at Santa Clara University, executive director of the Bronco Bench Foundation, associate athletic director at the University of California Santa Barbara, senior associate athletic director for the Naval Academy Athletic Association, and deputy director of athletics at San Jose State University.
“On behalf of my family and I, we would like to thank Abbot Marion, Dr. Bonds-Raacke and the other members of the Search Committee for extending this incredible opportunity to lead the Saints’ intercollegiate athletics program and for our entire family to join the Saint Martin’s University family,” shares O’Brien. “I look forward to serving Dr. Bonds-Raacke’s administration, the Saints’ student-athletes and the Saint Martin’s University community to the best of my ability. Go Saints!”
Before transitioning to higher education O’Brien worked as an attorney for Latham & Watkins LLP and Greenberg Traurig LLP. He earned his undergraduate degree in history and economics from Santa Clara University and graduated fifth in his class at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law where he obtained his juris doctor degree.
