Northern Illinois University Athletics

Lisa DeRango, a Chicago native, brings more than 30 years of executive level experience in human resources, fundraising, business management, marketing, event coordination and budget analysis.
 
Prior to joining the athletic department, DeRango began her career at NIU with the NIU Foundation, where she spent two years as a development associate. She joined NIU Athletics in July 2014 as the Sr. Administrative Assistant to the Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics. Past responsibilities include oversight of NIU Athletics premier fundraising event, Victor E. Bash; sport administrator for Men’s and Women’s Tennis; and  oversight of the athletics donor stewardship program.
 
Today, DeRango’s responsibilities include directing all aspects of the business office operation, developing the department's annual budget and serving as the liaison between Huskie Athletics and the university's financial offices. DeRango also is responsible for coordinating all human resources functions for the athletics department. Additionally, she serves as liaison for the Athletic Board and serves on a number of university committees and athletic working groups including Finance & Facilities and Diversity and Integration as well as leading one of the efforts for the pillars of NIU Athletics 2018-2021 Strategic Plan.
 
DeRango earned cum laude honors and a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Kendall College and a master's degree in business management from the University of Phoenix. She recently earned a certificate of graduate study from Northern Illinois University in sport management.
 
DeRango has a son, Michael, an NIU alum who serves as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the United States Army and two daughters, Nicole and Tesa.