EAST LANSING ~ Mike Polisky is joining Michigan State Athletics as CEO of Spartan Ventures, Athletic Director Dan Bartholomae announced Friday. The former Northwestern athletic director will oversee the department’s fundraising efforts and lead the For Sparta campaign, a $1 billion initiative focused on supporting student-athletes and updating athletic facilities.
Polisky fills a position that became vacant in September when former Spartan Ventures CEO Jon Palumbo left Michigan State to join former athletic director J Batt at Kentucky. Eric Reinke served as interim CEO during the search process.
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(CONTINUED) In 11 years at Northwestern, Polisky’s tenure coincided with two bowl victories for the Wildcats and major fundraising and facility projects. MSU football has not appeared in a bowl game since 2021, and as NIL budgets rise, athletics funding is increasingly important to building a roster set up for success in post-season play.
“College athletics is entering one of the most transformative periods in its history, and I believe Michigan State is uniquely positioned to lead in this new era,” Polisky said in a statement released by the university.
Polisky joins Bartholomae and head football coach Pat Fitzgerald in their first year leading key areas of Michigan State athletics. As schools continue adapting to increasing NIL and revenue demands, Spartan Ventures will play a central role in funding roster development, student-athlete support and future facility investments.
