Staff Directory
- Title:
- Director of Athletics
Carter Henderson began as Director of Athletics on Oct. 13, 2025 and is in his first year in the role.
Henderson previously served as the Deputy Athletics Director for External Relations at Stanford University for nearly five years. He brings to the role a deep experience in intercollegiate athletics from around the country.
“Cal Poly is known for producing student-athletes who excel on the field and in the classroom. As we searched for a new athletic director to carry our momentum forward, it became clear that Carter's background and experience would be a tremendous benefit to the university,” Armstrong said. “He has the vision and strategy and the deep experience with operations, communications and fundraising to help our student-athletes and our coaches reach even greater heights.”
Henderson began at Stanford in 2021 and held several senior leadership roles there, including executive associate athletics director for external relations and chief communications officer. He has directed teams of more than 50 staff, led all marketing and communications strategy for the department, and managed external units spanning branding, fan engagement, and digital media.
Previously, he spent a decade at the University of Washington, where he advanced through leadership roles in external relations, ultimately serving as senior associate director of athletics for external relations. He began his athletics career at Jacksonville University, where he held director-level roles in marketing, ticketing, and creative services, building a foundation in external operations and brand management.
Henderson earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida in 2004. He and his wife Lindsey have two children.
