Keli Zinn
Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Athletics Director , West Virginia University
ARIANNA WHITEHAIR TRACY A . TOLER PHOTOGRAPHY
“ Everything great in my life is a result of West Virginia . I ’ ve had the opportunity to live and work elsewhere , and it didn ’ t take long for me to realize that this is the place that I truly belong .”
A Petersburg , WV , native who grew up playing multiple sports , Keli Zinn is no stranger to hard work .
“ I came from a hard-working family ,” she says . “ It ’ s at the core of our makeup , and it was all I ever saw growing up .”
With a passion for sports , an outstanding work ethic and a deep love of state , it is no surprise that Zinn is currently serving as the chief operating officer and deputy athletics director at West Virginia University ( WVU ). Having previously served in various roles at the Big East Conference and University of Maryland , Zinn was called home in 2010 where she now serves as the administrator to WVU ’ s football program .
“ My main responsibility is to make sure things are running smoothly day to day in the athletics department ,” she says . “ We are a massive ship with destinations in the form of goals and tasks that need to be accomplished , and it ’ s my job to make sure we make it to those destinations .”
Zinn attributes her success to the strong work ethic she saw in her parents .
“ Being able to see two parents work hard , even when some of the opportunities or circumstances weren ’ t ideal , is something I am grateful for ,” she says .
In addition to her upbringing , Zinn credits Brad Cox , who allowed her to volunteer with WVU ’ s athletic department as a student , and WVU President Gordon Gee , who appointed Zinn the school ’ s first female interim director of athletics in 2014 , with helping her find the right career path .
A lover of community , Zinn is an active volunteer who is motivated by her passion for people and desire to serve .
“ I am a firm believer that we should all strive to help others . Giving back to others is good for the soul ,” she says .
Zinn is a member of the Beyond Team at Chestnut Ridge Church , where she supports projects with the intention of impacting the next generation . She also supports initiatives with United Way , backpack drives for local schools , Feed WV and Operation Christmas Child . Although unable to serve abroad , Zinn actively supports Compassion International , a Christian organization dedicated to child development and fighting child poverty . She also serves on the board of directors for the Visit Mountaineer Country Convention & Visitors Bureau , where she supports efforts to increase the state ’ s tourism economy and make Mountaineer Country — including Morgantown , Kingwood and Grafton — a prime tourist destination .
Outside her career , Zinn seeks to create awareness and enthusiasm for WVU by working with Women Supporting Athletics , a fund that connects women with a strong passion for WVU Athletics .
“ I believe our athletics program enhances our community and our state , so it ’ s important for me to support it in ways that are separate from my job ,” she says .
In keeping with her love of state and school , Zinn also supports other WVU events , including The Rack , a program that aims to help students in need of food ; MODIFY , which supports youth transitioning out of foster care ; and the Pink Party , a fundraiser for Bonnie ’ s Bus , a mobile mammography unit that provides screenings to women in rural areas .
For Zinn , home is where the heart is , and her heart bleeds gold and blue .
“ I am surrounded by Mountaineer fans , and that brings a lot of celebration to my life ,” she says . “ Seeing and feeling the joy and passion that people have for our athletic programs along with how hard our student athletes , coaches and staff work to represent WVU keeps me motivated . I believe in West Virginia University .” •
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ?
WEST VIRGINIA LOCATION : Mountaineer Field
TV SHOW : “ Shark Tank ”
ICE CREAM : Graeter ’ s Dark Chocolate Raspberry
SEASON : Christmas
Zinn on location at the Edward Tucker Architect ’ s studio lounge .
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