Gilligan will take over the athletic department from Gino Riffle, who will transition into the school’s Director of Admission role.

“I am thrilled and honored to be the next athletic director at Northwood School,” Gilligan said in a statement. “Northwood has always been a second home for me, and I can’t wait to help build on our long-standing athletic tradition of excellence.”

Gilligan grew up in Saranac Lake and has worked at Northwood for 12 years, in two different stints in various roles. His primary focus had been coaching hockey. He took over the girls program in 2019. Gilligan will continue to coach the girls hockey team.

Over the last two years, Gilligan’s team won 56 games, lost 25, and tied 10. In between his time at Northwood, Gilligan was the head coach of the mens hockey team at SUNY Canton, leading the team’s transition to the NCAA Division III level.

Along with Gilligan, the school announced six other hires within the athletic program, which can be found on the school’s website.