NAPERVILLE — After six years at the helm of the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW), Executive Director Maureen Harty will retire in November, concluding a distinguished 38-year career in collegiate athletics.
 
Harty came to the CCIW in 2019 after serving as Commissioner at the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference and as an Associate Director at the NCAA national office. Her career in collegiate sports has included administrative positions in Division I, Division III, NAIA and the NCAA national office.
 
“Division III athletics continues to offer the best balance between academics and athletics – it truly represents everything that is right about college sports,” Harty said. “Division III student-athletes play for the pure love of the game, and that passion is evident in everything they do.”
 
Harty, the second full-time commissioner in the CCIW’s history, has played an integral role in positioning the conference as one of the premier NCAA Division III conferences, with CCIW teams winning six team national championships and 30 individual national championships during her tenure.
 
During Harty’s tenure, significant strides were made in expanding the league’s sport sponsorship and enhancing the student-athlete experience. Women’s bowling was added in 2020 and women’s wrestling became the conference’s 26th sport in 2022. In 2023, the CCIW made history as the first NCAA Division III conference to host a women's wrestling championship.
 
Harty directed a major conference rebrand in 2021, introducing a new logo library and updated signage. Furthermore, student-athlete engagement was strengthened through an expanded Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) that included an executive board and a partnership with the Special Olympics. Student-athlete recognition also saw improvements with the addition of Elite 26 and RESPECT awards. Professional development opportunities were expanded for coaches and administrators within the conference.
 
“Over the past six years, I've had the privilege of working with incredible Division III student-athletes, coaches and administrators in the CCIW,” Harty added. “I'm proud of the strides we've made to enhance the CCIW championship experience and uphold the values of Division III.”
 
On the national level, Harty has served on the executive board of the Division III Commissioners Association (DIIICA) and chaired its Championships Committee. She is currently a member of the NCAA Division III Championships Committee. She previously became a trained facilitator for the “Division III LGBTQ OneTeam” and “GameDay the DIII Way” initiatives.
 
“Throughout my 38 years in college athletics, I've been fortunate to travel to exciting places, witness unforgettable moments in college sports and work with some of the most dedicated professionals in the industry,” Harty said. “Many of these colleagues have become lifelong friends, and for that — and so much more — I feel truly blessed.”

The CCIW Council of Presidents will meet on Friday, September 12, to discuss next steps for identifying the next Executive Director. 
 
What People Are Saying
"I have had the pleasure of working closely with Mo for the past decade as a Division III commissioner and a former colleague at the NCAA national office. Her unwavering dedication to collegiate athletics, gender equity and student-athlete development has left a lasting mark on our division. Her leadership, integrity, and professionalism have inspired countless colleagues, including me, and she will be deeply missed."
--Louise McCleary, NCAA Vice President of Division III
 
“Mo Harty has led one of America’s best D3 conferences to greater excellence through her competitive drive, passion for excellence in the student-athlete experience, and vast experience with the NCAA.”
--Philip G. Ryken, Wheaton College President
 
“I've had the pleasure of working with Mo since she was our rep with (Academic Membership Affairs). She became a trusted colleague as the commissioner of the HCAC and now the CCIW. Mo has always worked hard for the students, administrators and schools in her care, whether at the NCAA or as a commissioner. It is bittersweet to know she is retiring, but she has more than earned this new chapter.”
--Keri Alexander Luchowski, Division III Commissioners Association President and North Coast Athletic Conference Executive Director
 
“We all wish Mo the very best in her upcoming retirement. Mo has served the conference extremely well in providing strong and professional leadership during her tenure. She has grown sports sponsorship within the conference to better the student-athlete experience while finding creative ways to solidify and develop existing programs. We want to acknowledge and thank Mo for her professionalism, collaborative attitude and positive demeanor.”
--Jim Miller, North Central College Senior Director of Athletics