Lee Workman To Retire After 34 Years Of Service To ECU Athletics
October 29, 2018 | General
GREENVILLE, N.C. - Lee Workman, who has served in athletics administrative roles at East Carolina University since 1984, announced Monday he will retire effective Dec. 31, 2018.
In the spring of 2018, Workman was appointed acting chief operating officer and has provided leadership and comprehensive oversight of the department's day-to-day operations. In addition, he holds the title of senior associate athletics director for administration.
"It has been an honor to serve East Carolina University, our student-athletes, Pirate fans, fellow athletics staff and coaches over the past 34 years," Workman said. "ECU is extremely special to Jan, me and our children who have completed degrees here. I also offer my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all Pirate fans for your support and loyalty over this time. You are the lifeblood of our athletics program, which is the foundation for the growth and achievements that we have collectively accomplished.
"Jan and I will always cherish the memories, friendships and relationships that formed by being a part of the ECU family. It is time for me to turn the page to a new chapter in my professional life and look forward to seeing what doors open in the future. While I am retiring as a staff member, we will always be ECU Pirate fans."
Workman began his duties at ECU as an intern under then-athletics director Dr. Ken Karr before working his way up the administrative ladder during Dave Hart's tenure as AD. He served in various capacities, including assistant marketing director, marketing director, assistant athletics director for special events and ticket sales, assistant athletics director for special events and assistant athletics director for ticketing and promotions.
Among his duties in previous roles was the successful handling of fan engagement at sporting events, neutral site, bowl game and postseason logistics for all of ECU's athletic programs. Workman also coordinated the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame, marketing, promotions and ticket sales, while serving on various university committees.
As a member of the department's executive leadership team, he was charged with the development of strategic planning and policy administration initiatives. He also directed the unit's human resources efforts and coordinated apparel, footwear and equipment relationships, as well as cultivating and guiding ECU's trademark licensing program to unprecedented growth and success.
In 2014, Workman spearheaded ECU Athletics' rebranding process, ultimately leading to what is the Pirates' official logo today.
He was an IA Athletic Director's Association Fellow and holds numerous memberships with organizations such as NACDA and ICLA.
Workman and his wife Jan are the parents of two grown children - Rachel and Jason - and a granddaughter Peyton.
Â
In the spring of 2018, Workman was appointed acting chief operating officer and has provided leadership and comprehensive oversight of the department's day-to-day operations. In addition, he holds the title of senior associate athletics director for administration.
"It has been an honor to serve East Carolina University, our student-athletes, Pirate fans, fellow athletics staff and coaches over the past 34 years," Workman said. "ECU is extremely special to Jan, me and our children who have completed degrees here. I also offer my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all Pirate fans for your support and loyalty over this time. You are the lifeblood of our athletics program, which is the foundation for the growth and achievements that we have collectively accomplished.
"Jan and I will always cherish the memories, friendships and relationships that formed by being a part of the ECU family. It is time for me to turn the page to a new chapter in my professional life and look forward to seeing what doors open in the future. While I am retiring as a staff member, we will always be ECU Pirate fans."
Workman began his duties at ECU as an intern under then-athletics director Dr. Ken Karr before working his way up the administrative ladder during Dave Hart's tenure as AD. He served in various capacities, including assistant marketing director, marketing director, assistant athletics director for special events and ticket sales, assistant athletics director for special events and assistant athletics director for ticketing and promotions.
Among his duties in previous roles was the successful handling of fan engagement at sporting events, neutral site, bowl game and postseason logistics for all of ECU's athletic programs. Workman also coordinated the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame, marketing, promotions and ticket sales, while serving on various university committees.
As a member of the department's executive leadership team, he was charged with the development of strategic planning and policy administration initiatives. He also directed the unit's human resources efforts and coordinated apparel, footwear and equipment relationships, as well as cultivating and guiding ECU's trademark licensing program to unprecedented growth and success.
In 2014, Workman spearheaded ECU Athletics' rebranding process, ultimately leading to what is the Pirates' official logo today.
He was an IA Athletic Director's Association Fellow and holds numerous memberships with organizations such as NACDA and ICLA.
Workman and his wife Jan are the parents of two grown children - Rachel and Jason - and a granddaughter Peyton.
Â
2026 ECU Spring Game Highlights and Post
Saturday, April 18
04/15/26 Inside Pirate Athletics
Wednesday, April 15
04/13/26 Cliffs Cab
Monday, April 13
ECU Football Coach Blake Harrell Post-Practice (April 10, 2026)
Friday, April 10
