Bio

Essex County College officially named David Tomkins as its Director of Athletics in September 2023, following his tenure as Assistant Athletic Director from March to August 2023. Tomkins brings over a decade of experience in collegiate athletics administration across both NJCAA and NCAA institutions.

Since taking on the leadership role, Tomkins has guided the Essex Wolverines through a dynamic period of growth and modernization. His strategic vision has led to several key advancements, including major facility upgrades such as the ECC Fitness Center, renovated locker rooms, and the first-ever home soccer turf complex at Essex’s West Caldwell branch campus. He also launched a new, modernized Essex athletics website, providing improved access to team schedules, rosters, news, and statistics, while implementing live streaming capabilities for basketball and soccer, significantly enhancing the program’s visibility and reach to fans, families, and prospective recruits.

Under his leadership, the department has also strengthened its commitment to compliance, student-athlete development, and academic support, resulting in increases in both student retention and overall GPAs over the past two years.

One of Tomkins' most notable accomplishments was helping to launch the College’s inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame, celebrated in May 2025, in partnership with the ECC Hall of Fame Committee.

Before joining Essex, Tomkins spent eight years at Brookdale Community College as the Coordinator of Athletics, where he managed operations for all 11 intercollegiate teams, oversaw the intramurals program, advised the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and contributed to a multi-million-dollar renovation of the school’s outdoor athletic facilities.

Earlier in his career, Tomkins held roles in athletic facility operations at Ramapo College and Rutgers University – New Brunswick, coordinating game day events and logistical operations.

In his current role, Tomkins oversees all aspects of Essex’s athletic operations, including compliance, budgeting, staffing, student-athlete support, and external partnerships. He remains focused on elevating Essex’s profile within the NJCAA through competitive success, recruiting efforts, and community engagement.

Tomkins also holds leadership roles within regional athletics, serving as Vice President of the Garden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) and as a committee member for Region 19 men’s and women’s soccer.

"I am honored to be named Director of Athletics at Essex County College," said Tomkins. "It has been a privilege to work alongside such a committed administration and staff. I look forward to continuing to build this program and supporting our student-athletes to ensure they thrive at Essex—and beyond."

Tomkins earned his Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Administration from Lock Haven University and a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Sport Studies (Sport Administration) from Montclair State University.