University of North Georgia Athletics

Derek Suranie enters his 24th year with the University of North Georgia, having served in a variety of roles including head athletic trainer for eight years. The 2025-26 year will mark his 16th year on the senior executive leadership staff. In August of 2022 he was promoted to Senior Associate Athletic Director and Chief Operations Officer after serving as Associate Director of Athletics, Internal Operations.

In August of 2024, he added the responsibility of Chief Operations Officer (COO) where he supervises all operational functions of the department. 

As the Senior Associate Director of Athletics, he oversees the overall day-to-day internal operations of the department including compliance, athletic training, sports performance and general human resources. He also provides sport oversight of softball, rifle, men's/women's soccer and women's cross country/track.

In November of 2017, Suranie was awarded a UNG North Star Award recognizing meaningful accomplishments of University of North Georgia staff employees who embody the University’s standards for excellence, efficiency, and outstanding customer service to internal or external constituents. 

Prior to his current role, Suranie was the head athletic trainer, and also served as the Athletic Training Coordinator and Clinical Coordinator. 

Suranie is from Woonsocket, R.I. where he graduated from Woonsocket High School. He attended Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio and graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine. He went on to work in Nashua, N.H. at the Center for Physical Therapy and Exercise. Suranie coordinated Athletic Training services for Souhegan High School as well as maintaining a full patient load in the clinic.

He attended the All Academy Physical Education Symposium at the United States Military Academy at West Point and also participated in the inaugural Summer Transition Program at North Georgia.

Suranie carries active administrative professional development memberships in National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), NACDA (National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics) and D2 Athletic Directors Association (D2ADA).

Suranie and his wife Jill moved to the North Georgia region in 1998 and began his employment in North Georgia in 1999. He received his Masters of Education from UNG in 2001. The Suranies have two daughters, Beth and Emma.

Updated: June 2025