The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has appointed UMBC Director of Athletics Brian Barrio to its Division I Council. Barrio's four-year appointment is effective immediately.

The Division I Council is a high-level group responsible for the day-to-day decision-making for Division I. Athletics directors, athletics administrators, senior women administrators, faculty athletics representatives and student-athletes serve on the council. Every Division I conference is represented on the council.

"Brian is a superb leader who manages to represent the interests of our student-athletes while finding innovative ways to strengthen the athletics program and support the overall mission of the University," said UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski. "As a member of the Division I Council, he will bring both his commitment to service and his strong vision for collegiate athletics."

Barrio was appointed as UMBC's Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation in January 2020. He directs UMBC's 17-sport NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics program, all campus recreational programs (intramurals, club sports, recreational activities), and the physical education program. 
 
Barrio arrived at UMBC after serving as Director of Athletics at Central Connecticut State University and in other leadership positions at the University of Nevada, Pepperdine University, University of Southern California, and the America East Conference.
 
"We appreciate Brian's willingness to serve in this key leadership position within the NCAA structure," said America East Commissioner, Brad Walker. "During this crucial juncture in setting the path forward for the NCAA, Brian's background, experience and perspective prepare him well to represent America East in this important role."
 
During his three years at the America East (2008-11), he served as the Chief of Staff and oversaw day-to-day operations and budget. He also served as the conference representative on the NCAA Legislative Council.
 
"I look forward to taking on the important role of representing America East on the Division I Council, particularly during this pivotal time in college athletics," said Barrio. "There is a lot of important work to be done at the national level, and I'm honored that America East has entrusted me to carry our conference message."
 
In 2020-21, Barrio's first full year at UMBC, the Retrievers set school records for highest department-wide GPA (3.19, fall semester) and most America East team championships in a single year (four).