UIC Athletics

Bill Thomas was named Senior Associate Athletics Director for Finance & Administration in September 2025, beginning his second full-time stint on the Flames' staff after previously serving in a similar capacity from 2008-22. In his role, Thomas oversees all financial and business operations for UIC Athletics, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position.

Prior to his first tenure at UIC, Thomas spent three years (2006-08) as the Associate Athletic Director for Business and Facilities Operations at Saint Louis University. Thomas managed the athletic department budget, while also coordinating accounting of ticket sales, corporate sponsorships and seating-based gifts. It was the second time Thomas served with the Billikens' athletics department, having also worked as Director of Ticket Operations from 1995-99, when he managed SLU's men's basketball season ticket database and accounted for the yearly ticket sales revenue. He also assisted with the department's ticket system conversion to Ticketmaster in that time.

Between his two stays at Saint Louis University, Thomas served as Assistant Director of Ticket Operations for the NFL's St. Louis Rams from 1999-2006. While there, he coordinated the franchise's accounting of ticket sales revenue. He also assisted with the development of ticket sales strategies including the design of brochures, direct mail outreach, print advertisements and e-mail initiatives. Early in his tenure, the Rams also earned the team's first Super Bowl title (Super Bowl XXXIV in January 2000).

Thomas spent 1993-95 as the Assistant Ticket Manager at Western Kentucky University. He was responsible for all money deposits generated by ticket sales and administered policies regarding donor seating and season ticket allocation.

In the spring of 1993, Thomas interned with the special projects coordinator for the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. He analyzed blueprints regarding the construction of Gund (now Rocket) Arena. Thomas also performed strategic research of NBA arenas to gather design and logistics information.

Thomas attended the University of Akron, where he received his bachelor's degree in business management in 1991. Thomas then attended Kent State University and earned his master's degree in sports administration in 1993.