Fort Worth Country Day (FWCD) has named Brian Phelps as its new athletic director, effective July 1, 2018.
Phelps succeeds Frank Gendusa, FWCD’s athletic director since 2007, who will be stepping down at the end of the 2017-2018 school year.
After an extensive nationwide search, Phelps was one of six semi-finalists of 22 candidates handpicked by the athletic director search committee to be interviewed on campus.
According to a news release. his understanding of working with coaches, athletes, admission candidates, parents, alumni and donors led to him being selected as the new athletic director. Phelps’ first order of business will be to initiate a search for FWCD’s next head varsity football coach.
“Frank’s tenure as FWCD’s athletic director set a high bar, but Brian brings the qualifications and the experience to build on those good works,” said Eric Lombardi, head of school at Fort Worth Country Day, in the release. “We were seeking a leader of highest integrity who would champion our athletics program, yet be mindful of the wonderful variety of experiences our students have. We were seeking a hard-working educator and an accomplished communicator. Mr. Phelps will be a wonderful addition to the Falcon family.”
Originally from Ohio native, Phelps joins FWCD from The Seven Hills School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he has served as athletic director since 2012. During his tenure there, he oversaw more than 100 coaches, 22 varsity sports and 54 teams, and was the president of the 12-school Miami Valley Conference.
As an E-4 Senior Airman in the U.S. Air Force from 1995-1999, he was stationed in Texas, New Jersey, Wyoming, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education/health from Northern Kentucky University, a master’s degree in sports administration from Xavier University, and brings nearly 20 years of experience to his new role.
Phelps and his wife Allison have three daughters, Madden, Meran and Mason, and a son, Hawk.