Bill Popp was named the eighth Commissioner of the Gulf South Conference in July 2026 and officially began his tenure on August 3, 2026. He stepped into the role with more than 30 years of leadership experience in intercollegiate athletics at both the conference and campus levels, with an extensive background in strategic planning, governance, enrollment management, fundraising, and championship administration.
Prior to joining the GSC, Popp was Commissioner for the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) for four years, where he oversaw conference governance, strategic planning, membership initiatives, championship administration, and national representation. During his tenure, the AAC expanded corporate partnerships and sponsorships, enhanced the student-athlete championship experience, and elevated the conference's national profile.
Before leading the AAC, Popp spent nearly two decades at Reinhardt University in several executive leadership positions, including Vice President of Enrollment and Athletics, Vice President and Director of Athletics, and Director of Athletics. During his time at Reinhardt, he guided significant institutional growth, overseeing the expansion of athletics from 11 to 24 sports, major facility enhancements, and successful fundraising efforts that supported new programs and capital projects.
Recognized nationally as an innovative leader in collegiate athletics, Popp has served in numerous leadership roles within the NAIA, including Chair and Past Chair of the National Administrative Council, member of the Executive Committee, and Chair of the Postseason Selection and Ratings Committee. He also led national legislative efforts that modernized championship selection procedures across the association.
Popp's contributions to collegiate athletics have earned him multiple national honors, including two NAIA Athletics Director of the Year awards, two NACDA/Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year awards, and four Appalachian Athletic Conference Athletics Director of the Year recognitions.