University of North Carolina Athletics
Martina Ballen To Retire After 38 Trailblazing Years In Carolina Athletics
November 4, 2025 | General
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Senior Associate AD/Chief Financial Officer Martina Ballen, who has blazed trails and cracked glass ceilings for more than 38 years at the University of North Carolina, is retiring after a groundbreaking career. Her final day will be February 1, 2026.
The first African-American administrator in Carolina Athletics history, Ballen has worked for three different directors of athletics, supported 44 Tar Heel national championships and managed a budget that has grown from $16 million to more than $180 million during her tenure. An expert at budgeting and finances, her true legacy will be her dedication to mentorship, her advocacy for excellence and inclusivity and her sky-high standard of integrity.
"Martina's professionalism, integrity, teamwork, service to others, dedication to excellence and steady leadership – all through decades of change in the athletics industry – epitomize what it is to be a Tar Heel,'' said UNC director of athletics Bubba Cunningham. "I first met her in the late 1980s and admired her career from afar, and I have only grown more impressed as I have had the opportunity to work with her each day. We thank her for all she has done to shape Carolina Athletics, assist the University and leave a lasting impact on our student-athletes, coaches and staff."
A 1980 UNC business administration graduate and proud Tar Heel, Ballen spent her undergraduate Saturday mornings assisting the football recruiting staff in Kenan Stadium's old east end zone field house – a building that has since been replaced with the Loudermilk Center for Excellence, where her office now resides. She often smiles at the thought of how the locations of her Carolina jobs have come full circle.
After earning her MBA from Wake Forest in 1984 and serving as a branch manager and commercial loan officer for NCNB for three years, Ballen began her professional career at UNC as director of finance in 1987 – overseeing the budget when it was still drafted, by hand, on legal-sized paper. Since then, she has managed and supported the department's incredible financial growth as she was promoted to associate director in 1995, senior associate in 2001 and CFO in 2011. In 2017, she added supervision of the department's human resources staff to her duties.
"I had the good fortune of hiring Martina from the banking sector in 1987," said John Swofford, UNC's director of athletics from 1980-97 and the commissioner of the ACC from 1997-2021. "As a graduate, she already knew the university. She seamlessly adapted to athletics, bringing both a professionalism and a human touch to the financial side of the department. That has now continued for close to four decades! Her capabilities are surpassed only by her human qualities. She has had a long, important and impactful career in Carolina Athletics. I wish Martina and Dwayne a most enjoyable retirement."
Said Dick Baddour, UNC's director of athletics from 1998-2012: "Martina is the best. I remember the day we hired her; she was so impressive then and remained impressive throughout her career. Her approach was professional, straightforward and honest, always with a clear mind and a strong voice. She wanted to get everyone what they needed to be successful but with a commitment to a balanced budget and sound management. The university called on her many times to assist on projects outside the department, and she never refused an opportunity to be of assistance. The department and the university are much better off because of her commitment and dedication."
Ballen also has served as a sport administrator for women's basketball and gymnastics and worked with scores of other Tar Heel coaches past and present.
"I really enjoyed working with Martina but enjoyed even more how much she cared for the university and the athletic department,'' said Hall of Fame men's basketball coach Roy Williams. "She will always be an all-star in my eyes."
Known for her keen insights, impeccable fashion sense and dedication to Carolina, Ballen has led many key initiatives and earned multiple awards throughout her career. In 2011, she was honored with the Harvey Elliott Beech Outstanding Alumni Award, which recognizes African-American alumni who show outstanding leadership within the University and local community. In 2014, she helped lead the launch of the Tar Heel Trailblazers, which honors during Black History Month pioneers from Carolina Athletics who paved the way for success in all aspects of the student-athlete experience.
In 2018, Ballen earned the C. Knox Massey Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes unusual, meritorious or superior contributions by University employees. In 2022, she was named one of the 50 champions of Carolina women's athletics, a renowned group of outstanding Tar Heel student-athletes, coaches, staff members and donors who are champions, legends and leaders. And in 2024, she was honored for her work toward social and racial justice causes with the 2024 ACC UNITE Award.
"Lillian and I are so proud of Martina and what she has contributed to the university and athletic department for nearly 40 years," said Howard Lee, a Carolina alumnus and who became the first African-American to be elected mayor of any predominantly white city in the American South; he was Chapel Hill's mayor from 1969-75. "She's had a strong presence in the department and positively impacted and influenced so many, especially young women who wished to pursue a career in college athletics. We congratulate her and know she will leave a wake in her departure that will be hard to fill. Martina is a special person, and it's been a privilege to watch her grow and develop at Carolina."
Ballen currently sits on the board of North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, and she will serve as its treasurer beginning in January. She also is a passionate advocate for people with autism, who include her elder son Julian, and is a past chair of the board of directors of the Autism Society of North Carolina.
Once retired, Ballen, forever a Tar Heel, plans to continue attending games, matches, bouts and meets to cheer on Carolina's 28 teams.
"I was honored to be Martina's colleague and work closely with her for 28 years," said Dr. Beth Miller, who retired from Carolina in 2015 after spending more than 40 years as a coach, administrator, SWA and Senior Associate AD. "Martina is a highly respected athletic administrator not only at the University of North Carolina, but across all of college athletics. Throughout her career, she has provided invaluable leadership and supervision and significant contributions to campus administration and the Atlantic Coast Conference.
"It was always evident that Martina was devoted to the athletic department and university and cared deeply about the people she worked with. She is the ultimate professional and will be greatly missed at UNC. I wish her and her family the absolute best in her well-deserved retirement."