Jessica Poole has been an industry leader in athletics for over 20 years. She believes that sports can change the world and has enjoyed seeing the opportunities created and lives changed when people have the opportunity to participate in sports. While the bulk of her career has been spent in a college setting, Poole has spent time working in professional tennis and the opportunity with Minnesota Aurora FC provides her an opportunity to return to her first sport of soccer. Poole is currently the only woman of color running a professional or amateur sports team in the great Minneapolis area. MN Aurora FC details can be found below and HERE.“The mission and vision of Minnesota Aurora FC is unique and rare in today’s athletic landscape and culture. The idea that we are able to center all that we do around values steeped in community, equality and boldness is a game changer for our organization. I am grateful to have a front row seat for all that we will accomplish now and in the future.”
Prior to taking on her role at Minnesota Aurora, Poole served as the Deputy Athletic Director at Chicago State University and also served as Interim Director of Athletics. Poole provided leadership, vision, strategy, direction and management over professional and support staff with oversight of business operations, human resources, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), facilities, events, campus engagement, and capital engagement. Poole also led in the oversight and management of policy development and strategic planning.
Poole also served as Senior Associate AD for External Operations at Florida Atlantic University where she oversaw FAU's communications, marketing and corporate sponsorship areas while serving as a member of the athletics leadership team.
A communications specialist by nature, Poole served in athletic communications capacities in athletic departments in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) at Vanderbilt and Ole Miss, in the Big Ten at Michigan and also in the Ivy League at Dartmouth College.
When not out and about representing Aurora, Poole is active on the Board of College Sports Communicators (CSC), where she recently completed service as Board Chair and was the first Black woman to hold the position. She is also a member of the Black College Sports Information Directors and serves as a member of the executive team while also serving on the NCAA's Women's Basketball Final Four Media Coordination Committee.
She is also mom to her son William and enjoys spending time with friends and family. As an Ann Arbor, Michigan native, you can also always catch her cheering on her beloved Michigan Wolverines.
• Bachelors of Journalism. University of Missouri-Columbia
• Women Leaders in College Sports Institute of Administrative Advancement (2013)
• College Sports Communicators Executive Board of Directors Chair (2022-23)
• Memberships include: College Sports Communicators, Women Leaders in College Sports, WISE
• Women Leaders in College Sports Institute of Administrative Advancement (2013)
• College Sports Communicators Executive Board of Directors Chair (2022-23)
• Memberships include: College Sports Communicators, Women Leaders in College Sports, WISE