Lacy Needham joins Texas Tech as Chief Financial Officer
May 10, 2024 | General
Needham arrives at Texas Tech following six years overseeing business and finance operations at Arkansas
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech Athletics announced Friday the hiring of Lacy Needham as the department's new Senior Associate Athletics Director and Chief Financial Officer.
In her role, Needham will be responsible for overseeing the athletics department's more than $115Â million budget and will serve as a member of Texas Tech's executive staff. She arrives in Lubbock with more than two decades of experience leading business operations between her time at Arkansas (2018-24), Texas State (2009-18) and Georgia Southern (2003-06).
Needham will inherit many of the duties previously assigned to Jonathan Botros, who was promoted to Deputy Athletics Director this past June and will add additional duties as Texas Tech's chief operating officer. Botros will provide oversight of the Red Raider football program moving forward in addition to his previous duties as the sport administrator for men's basketball.
"We're pleased to welcome Lacy to our Texas Tech family," Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt said. "As we continue to develop long-term planning for Texas Tech Athletics, it was essential that we find an individual with a strong financial background to compliment that of Jonathan Botros as he transitions more to our Deputy A.D. role. We're fortunate to have found that in Lacy, whose experience will only enhance our business office operation."
In addition to her role as CFO, Needham will serve as liaison to Texas Tech's Office of General Counsel, Office of Audit Services and the university's Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance. She will also oversee the departments of information technology and equipment operations as well as Texas Tech's relationship with both Anthony Travel and the Rawls Course.
"I am honored to be joining Red Raider Nation and can't wait to be a part of the outstanding Texas Tech Athletics team supporting Fearless Champions," Needham said. "I can't thank Kirby Hocutt and the selection committee enough for this opportunity and look forward to getting to Lubbock soon to begin working with his incredible staff."
Needham began her tenure at Arkansas as an Assistant A.D. for business operations in 2018 before being promoted to Associate A.D. and as a member of the Razorbacks' senior staff in 2022. At Arkansas, she had day-to-day oversight of business and finance operations and was the department's liaison to the on-campus business affairs, financial affairs and human resources offices.
Prior to her time in Fayetteville, Needham spent nearly a decade at Texas State where she supervised business operations as an Assistant A.D. from 2009-17 and then as an Associate A.D. from 2017-18. She previously served in a similar capacity at Georgia Southern University from 2003-07.
Needham began her career as a junior accountant with the Texas Rangers organization before moving into roles at both TCU and Baylor. She earned her undergraduate degree in finance from TCU in 1999 and then added a master's in sports management from Baylor in 2003.
Needham begins her duties at Texas Tech on May 20.