MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The University of Wisconsin-Madison announced Wednesday, June 2, they named Chris McIntosh as the new Director of Athletics. McIntosh is the university's deputy athletic director and a decorated student-athlete who captained two of the most celebrated teams in Badgers history.

“Chris is a natural leader who loves the Badgers and cares about our student-athletes,” said Chancellor Rebecca Blank in a news release. “He is uniquely positioned to continue our proud traditions of success on and off the field and doing things ‘the right way.’ Chris will build upon those traditions and has a strong vision for leading the program during a time of change in college athletics.”

Since 2017, McIntosh has overseen the day-to-day operations of the department, student-athlete recruitment, business development, human resources and strategic planning.

“I owe so much to the University of Wisconsin, and I’m deeply honored to be able to succeed Barry Alvarez,” says the first-generation college graduate from Pewaukee, Wis. “We will build upon our legacy of success on the field of competition and support our student-athletes in the classroom, on campus and after college.”

Prior to his deputy athletic director role, McIntosh joined the department in 2014 and served as associate athletic director for business development, responsible for identifying and developing sources of revenue for UW Athletics, becoming well-versed in the economics and administration of college athletics.

As part of his athletic career, he captained the 1999 and 2000 Rose Bowl teams, two of the most storied teams in Badgers history. He was a consensus NCAA All American in 1999 and 22nd pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, playing professionally for the Seattle Seahawks until 2004.

He is also a member of the Badgers Hall of Fame.