Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith has been added to the Board of Directors of the Fiesta Bowl.

The Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors is a non-profit organization that provides management oversight, strategic direction and governance for the organization. Smith is one of the country’s highest-regarded Athletic Directors, and is the former Arizona State AD.

Patrick Barkley, Chair of the Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors said, “Gene Smith has been a ‘go-to’ person in intercollegiate athletics for years, given his experience, expertise and forward-thinking mindset.”

“As someone who has lived in Arizona and has great affection for our state, Gene is also dedicated to our year-round community impact.”

Smith is in his 17th year at Ohio State, and has been a key player in many of the college’s biggest initiatives. He was co-chairman of the NCAA’s Federal State Legislative Working Group that helped to guide the NCAA on the newly launched Name, Image and Likeness initiative. He also serves on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, a member of the NCAA’s Management Council, the Executive Committee, the Committee on Infractions, the Football Rules Committee and the President’s Commission Liaison Committee.