Rachel Velez (nee August) was named assistant athletics director for human resources in June of 2021 and was most recently elevated to Associate A.D. in September 2022.
With her promotion, Velez became a member of the leadership Cabinet responsible for leading day to day operations of the Human Resources unit while helping to define and shape the department's culture. Her expanded duties will include aiding in the development and implementation of the department's strategic plan and serving as a sport administrator for Wildcats swimming and diving as well as assisting with women’s volleyball. She also serves on the steering committee for the department’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (JEDI).
Prior to Northwestern, Velez served as associate director of athletics for finance and administration at her alma mater, Hofstra University. In addition to acting as the department’s lead liaison for all human resource matters, she oversaw the Pride’s financial operations, including budget development and management, strategic planning, financial reporting and internal business policies.
During her time in Hempstead, Velez had program administrative oversight for Hofstra’s field hockey, women’s lacrosse and men’s golf teams, while also overseeing the department’s equipment staff. She was also a member of the Hofstra Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
A former Hofstra volleyball student-athlete, Velez was a two-year captain and earned the Colonial Athletic Association Commissioner’s Academic Award all four years. She began working for the department in 2011 as the assistant director of athletics for administration following her playing career. Velez has also served as a youth volleyball club coach and camp counselor, as well as a member of Hofstra’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee during her undergraduate career.
Velez is a two-time Hofstra graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education in 2011 and master’s in business administration in 2013.
Velez and her husband, Esai Velez reside in LaGrange Park, Illinois.
With her promotion, Velez became a member of the leadership Cabinet responsible for leading day to day operations of the Human Resources unit while helping to define and shape the department's culture. Her expanded duties will include aiding in the development and implementation of the department's strategic plan and serving as a sport administrator for Wildcats swimming and diving as well as assisting with women’s volleyball. She also serves on the steering committee for the department’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (JEDI).
Prior to Northwestern, Velez served as associate director of athletics for finance and administration at her alma mater, Hofstra University. In addition to acting as the department’s lead liaison for all human resource matters, she oversaw the Pride’s financial operations, including budget development and management, strategic planning, financial reporting and internal business policies.
During her time in Hempstead, Velez had program administrative oversight for Hofstra’s field hockey, women’s lacrosse and men’s golf teams, while also overseeing the department’s equipment staff. She was also a member of the Hofstra Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
A former Hofstra volleyball student-athlete, Velez was a two-year captain and earned the Colonial Athletic Association Commissioner’s Academic Award all four years. She began working for the department in 2011 as the assistant director of athletics for administration following her playing career. Velez has also served as a youth volleyball club coach and camp counselor, as well as a member of Hofstra’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee during her undergraduate career.
Velez is a two-time Hofstra graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education in 2011 and master’s in business administration in 2013.
Velez and her husband, Esai Velez reside in LaGrange Park, Illinois.