S2E8, David Matlin, former University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Athletic Director

During his tenure as UH’s athletic director, David Matlin hired a record 16 head coaches, helped student athlete graduation rates and grade point averages hit all-time highs, and oversaw $103 million in facility upgrades. “It's always about getting 1% better,” he says. “That's kind of my mantra.” Matlin credits much of the department’s achievements during his eight-year tenure to the hard work of his colleagues and student athletes. “I just believe when our teams are doing well, people are happier here,” he says. “When people are happier here in Hawai‘i, business is better, people treat people better. I mean, it matters. The eight years I spent in this job stewarding that responsibility, that was special to know that you can make an impact to the community, to uplift it."