Randy McWilliams is Vice President of Facilities and Special Projects for the San Diego Padres, a role he has held since joining the organization in 2015. He oversees all aspects of facility management at Petco Park, including engineering operations, sustainability initiatives, and capital construction projects, and leads project management efforts for Peoria Sports Complex.  McWilliams has played a central role in shaping the modern ballpark experience, directing more than $200 million in capital improvements across premium venues, suites, concessions, and fan spaces. His leadership was instrumental in the rapid transformation of Gallagher Square, delivering a 2.8-acre community hub in just five months, completed in just five months, along with marquee initiatives such as the conversion to LED sports lighting, installation of Major League Baseball’s largest solar array, development of a chilled water plant with thermal storage, and extensive suite and club renovations.

McWilliams has been a driving force behind Petco Park’s award-winning sustainability efforts. Petco Park has been awarded Play-to-Zero Energy and Waste Champion Awards and the MLB Green Glove. His initiatives include delivering 100% renewable energy, achieving 96% waste diversion through innovative composting and sorting programs, and implementing energy efficiency projects that deliver annual savings while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Before joining the Padres, McWilliams served as an owner’s representative for major construction projects, including the Aztec Student Union at San Diego State University and the Cheryl and Harvey White Theatre at The Old Globe. He is also a U.S. Navy submarine veteran and holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from the University of Redlands, along with professional certifications in facilities management.  

Al Gomez is a veteran athletic administrator and educator with nearly 30 years of experience in education-based athletics. He currently serves as Assistant Director of Upper School and Director of Middle School Athletics at The Bishop’s School, where he oversees more than 50 coaches and manages compliance, game operations, and major athletic events and programming. Since joining The Bishop’s School in 2004, Gomez has held multiple leadership roles, including Athletics Facilities and Game Operations Manager and head coach for baseball, softball, and girls’ golf. He has also worked with the San Diego Padres’ MLB RBI program and serves on the CIF San Diego Section Baseball Tournament Committee.

Andy Fee, Athletic Director | UC San Diego 

College sports veteran Andy Fee was named UC San Diego’s Director of Athletics in September 2025, becoming just the fourth to hold that position for the Tritons since 1966. Fee takes over a UC San Diego program that recently completed its transition from NCAA Division II to Division I. The Tritons made NCAA history last March, becoming the first program ever to qualify both its men's and women's basketball teams for the NCAA Tournament in its first season with Division I postseason eligibility. The women’s basketball team captured the first conference title in the Fee Era, winning its second straight Big West championship in 2026. Prior to UC San Diego, Fee held senior athletics leadership roles, supporting conference transitions, strategic initiatives, and fundraising for sports practice facilities.

Ryan Shumaker, Dean of Athletics | Mesa College

Dr. Ryan Shumaker is the Dean of Athletics at San Diego Mesa College, where he focuses on student-athlete development, program growth, community engagement, fundraising, and building a championship culture. A San Diego native, Shumaker began his collegiate career at Cuyamaca College as a first-generation college student before transferring to Southern Illinois University–Carbondale, where he competed in track and field at the Division I level. After returning to San Diego, Shumaker held several leadership roles at Cuyamaca College, including Student Success Coordinator, Acting Associate Dean of Student Affairs, and Associate Dean of Athletics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an MBA in Marketing from SIUC, as well as a doctorate in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University. 

Moderator: Khary Knowles, Program Director | COLBI

With nearly three decades of experience and a $1.5B facilities project portfolio, Khary S. Knowles bridges the gap between vision and execution. Having served as an architect, program manager, and owner’s representative, Khary offers a 360-degree perspective on complex developments. His career spans the entire project lifecycle—from architect to owner—giving him an unparalleled grasp of the built environment. As a former world-class soccer player and educator, he leverages his firsthand UX knowledge to maximize the functionality and impact of the athletic and educational facilities he builds.  Currently based in San Marcos, CA, Khary is the Program Director at COLBI and a lecturer at UC San Diego, where he focuses on driving strategic growth and sustainable environmental impact.

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