Courtesy of Mercy University Sports Information
DOBBS FERRY, NY – Mercy University Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Engagement Adam Castro announced today that Bill Sullivan, who has served at the University since 1991, has been named the University's new Director of Athletics, effective June 16, 2026.
Sullivan brings over 30 years of progressive leadership within Mercy Athletics, serving in key roles including Deputy Athletic Director, Senior Associate AD, Interim AD, and Head Baseball Coach. He has led a comprehensive Division II program supporting 10 teams and 268 student-athletes, while advising university leadership on governance, compliance, finance, and strategy. Sullivan has also overseen fiscal operations and championship-level event management, ensuring compliance, operational excellence, and strong institutional representation.
Sullivan joined Mercy in 1991 as Assistant Baseball Coach and was named Head Coach in 1994, leading the program for 15 seasons. He started his transition into administration in 2006 as Assistant AD, advancing to Associate AD (2008–2014), Interim AD (2007–08, 2014), Senior Associate AD (2014–2022), and ultimately Deputy Athletic Director in 2022. During his time at Mercy, Sullivan co-founded the Athletics Hall of Fame and led the rebranding of the athletics program, transitioning from the Flyers to the Mavericks. Sullivan has served in multiple athletics governance roles, currently on the ECC Strategic Planning Committee and NCAA Regional Advisory Committee, and on the ECAC Board of Directors, with prior service on the NCAA Strategic Alliance Committee.
"I am very excited to welcome Bill Sullivan as our new Director of Athletics. Bill brings a wealth of institutional and industry knowledge to this important role and his passion for Mercy athletics is unmatched. We have been so fortunate to have Matt Kilcullen here to build such a strong foundation during his tenure and I am confident Bill will keep us on an upward trajectory. We want our program to serve as a model for NCAA Division II programs across the country with our teams competing for national championships and our student athletes excelling in the classroom and in their careers. I believe this hire is a big step in achieving that goal," said Adam Castro.
"I'm honored to lead Mercy University as Director of Athletics and build on its strong tradition of excellence. I look forward to working with our student-athletes, coaches, campus partners, and alumni to support success in competition, academics, and life. I thank President Susan Parish and Vice President Adam Castro for this opportunity and recognize the 12 years of remarkable leadership by Assistant Vice President of Athletics Matt Kilcullen," said Bill Sullivan.
"I am so happy for Bill Sullivan being elevated to this position. It has been terrific working with Bill for the last 12 years. He has certainly put his dues in, is a tireless worker, well respected by his peers in intercollegiate athletics and has a great vision to take Mercy to another level of success," said Matt Kilcullen, Jr., Assistant Vice President of Athletics.
"Matt, Bill, and I have worked closely over the past 12 years to develop a vision for this department and build programs that can thrive at every level. Knowing this hire will allow that vision to continue and directly benefit our student-athletes is a testament to Bill's leadership and the institution's commitment to athletics. This transition will be seamless and will allow us to continue building toward even greater success. Bill has earned the opportunity to lead this new chapter of Mercy Athletics, and I am confident the department will continue to thrive under his leadership," said Dawn Sachs, Senior Associate Athletic Director and Head Women's Lacrosse Coach.
Sullivan is a graduate of La Salle University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education in 1991and was a member of the baseball program. He and his wife, Tara, have two sons, Billy and John, and currently reside in Valley Cottage, New York.