Ashton Henderson Named Senior Deputy Athletic Director & Chief Operating Officer at George Mason University

Fairfax, Va. — George Mason University Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics has announced the appointment of Ashton Henderson as its new Senior Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer. A highly respected national leader in college athletics and professional sports, Henderson brings nearly 15 years of experience spanning collegiate athletics and professional sports with stops at Florida State University, Clemson University, and the Detroit Pistons. 

“Ashton Henderson is a dynamic and emerging leader in intercollegiate athletics,” said Lewis. “He brings a unique blend of authenticity, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes. His ability to foster collaboration across departments, cultivate meaningful relationships throughout the university, and lead in the ever-evolving NIL landscape will be an incredible asset to our program. I have full confidence that Ashton’s leadership will elevate the student-athlete experience and further strengthen the championship culture within Mason Athletics. We’re proud to welcome Ashton and his wife, Chloe, to the George Mason family!”

As a senior member of the Vice President/Director of Athletics’ leadership team, Henderson will oversee the department’s daily operations to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and consistent operational execution in support of over 500 student-athletes, 100 full-time employees, and over 200 part-time staff members. 

Henderson will champion new strategic initiatives to enhance the student-athlete experience, drive revenue, and galvanize the community. He will collaborate with campus and community partners to advance the athletics program and serve as the program administrator for men’s basketball and other varsity athletics programs, including sport supervision responsibilities.

“I am fired up and incredibly honored to join the Mason Nation family,” said Henderson. “This is a special institution rooted in excellence, and I am fully committed to serving our student-athletes, coaches, and community with energy, passion, and purpose. I look forward to building meaningful relationships and helping elevate the Patriots to even greater heights.”

A former four-year letter winner in football at Michigan State University (2006–09), Henderson most recently served as Deputy Athletic Director for Championship Resources & Culture at Michigan State University, where he provided executive leadership for nine areas: Athletic Training, Spartans Fuel (Nutrition), Athletic Performance, Student-Athlete Wellness, Sports Science & Data Analytics, EverGreen NIL Education & Strategy, Varsity S Club, Student-Athlete Development, & Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB) efforts and served as the sport administration for women’s basketball during the 2022-2023 competition season.  He also oversaw the university’s award-winning “EverGreen” NIL program, which was named the nation’s Best Institutional Program at the 2023 NIL Summit.

Before returning to Michigan State University in 2022, Henderson served as the first-ever Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for the Detroit Pistons, transforming the franchise’s DEI framework and earning national recognition as a Sports Inclusion Conference DEI Champion in 2021.

Henderson’s collegiate leadership journey includes impactful roles at Florida State University and Clemson, where he championed academic success, leadership development, and holistic student-athlete programming. He is a Past President of the National Association for Academic & Student-Athlete Development Professionals N4A (2021-2022), the largest affiliate under the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) umbrella with over 2,000 members. Hendersonalso has won several Association (N4A) awards over the years: Professional Excellence (2020); Model Practice Award – Florida State University (LYFE Program, 2019); and the Professional Promise Award (2015). 

In addition, he received the Cheryl M. Gilliam Young Alumni Award in 2019, which was presented by the MSU Varsity “S” Club. He is also a proud graduate of the NCAA Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute, NCAA Pathway Program, and The FBS Athletics Director (Lead 1) Diversity Fellowship Program, where these programs are designed to prepare athletic administrators to become Athletic Directors and or Conference Commissioners. He is also privileged to serve on the Board of Directors of The McLendon Foundation.

As a student-athlete on the football team, Henderson saw action as both a defensive back and on special teams. In his freshman season (2006), he returned a blocked punt 33 yards for a touchdown vs. Northwestern to help fuel the greatest comeback in NCAA Division I-A history as the Spartans rallied from a 35-point deficit for a 41-38 victory.

A two-time graduate of Michigan State, Henderson holds a B.A. in Advertising, an M.A. in Public Relations, and an M.B.A. from Florida State. In 2024, he was recognized with MSU’s Outstanding Alumni Award from the College of Communication Arts & Sciences, the college’s highest honor for alumni. 

Henderson will join George Mason on May 19.

WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT ASHTON

“In my 40 years of collegiate coaching I’ve never worked with anyone who cares more for the student-athlete than Ashton. He has a tremendous ability to build consensus and unity. He’ll do amazing things at George Mason.”

Bob Braman

Florida State Track and Cross Country

2006 & 2008 NCAA Champions

“Ashton Henderson has consistently demonstrated a work style that is both diligent and innovative, bringing fresh ideas and approaches to every project he tackles. His inclusive nature fosters a collaborative environment where every team member feels valued and heard. Ashton’s ability to connect with people personally and his unwavering commitment to excellence truly sets him apart. His leadership is seen, felt and heard even after he has left our organization. A strong leader with lasting impact.”

Nicolet Lewis

Detroit Pistons, Executive Vice President/Chief People Officer

“The George Mason Athletics family is welcoming an exceptional leader in Ashton Henderson. He builds genuine, lasting relationships and is highly regarded throughout college athletics. His contagious enthusiasm will elevate Patriots athletics, positively impacting the entire Green & Gold community.” 

Vanessa Fuchs

WeCOACH CEO 

“Ashton is an incredible leader with a bright future ahead of him. While Ashton was at Clemson, I knew that he would continue to soar in his Athletics pursuit, and I am proud of all that he has accomplished over the past decade. George Mason University is fortunate to have Ashton join their team, and I wish him the best in his next chapter and continued leadership journey.” 

Dr. James Clements

Clemson University President

“I got to know Ashton as a standout football student-athlete at Michigan State. Those skills he learned have manifested into making a tremendous impact on student athletes’ lives at every place he’s been. George Mason is getting a service-oriented leader who puts students first.” 

Martin Jarmound

The Alice and Nahum Lainer Family Director of Athletics, University of California, Los Angeles