COLUMBIA, MD - After being away for two years, Mark Winkel has returned to Howard Community College in a new role as the assistant athletic director of communications and operations. Winkel will primarily be responsible for overseeing the sports information and game operations while also assisting with day-to-day operations and facility management.

"We are excited to welcome Mark back to Howard Community College," said director of athletics Mike Smelkinson. "His experience will be an asset for the athletics department as we look to operate at the highest level."

Winkel had previously served as the manager of sports Information and game day operations for eight years at Howard Community College. In his time at Howard, Mark showed great success in the improvement and advancement of many of the game day operations. His responsibilities included supervision of game day staff, managing all game day operations, promotion of home and away matches, and community engagement to promote all 14 teams at Howard.

While at Howard CC, Winkel also started the first collegiate esports team for a community college in the state of Maryland. During his time as head coach, he led the teams to seven conference championships and one national championship. He has served previously on the board of directors for the National Esports Collegiate Conference.

Winkel left Howard CC to take over as the athletic director at Carroll Community College, where he became just the second director of athletics in the school's history. He also spent time at CCBC Essex and Notre Dame of Maryland before deciding to return home to Dragon country. 

Prior to his stint at Howard, he was the manager for sports information and game day operations at Harford Community College, where he was responsible for game day operations, promotion and community engagement.

Winkel also brings experience working with the highest levels of collegiate athletics, including time at UMBC athletics as well as serving as an official statistician for Major League Lacrosse.

Mark graduated from California State University Monterey Bay in 2013 with a Bachelor's degree in kinesiology and sports management. He earned his Master's degree in sports management and athletic administration from Southern New Hampshire University in 2015.