After serving as Marquette's “Acting” AD for some 14 months after Bill Cords retired, Steve Cottingham was appointed the Athletics Director on February 21, 2008.

A member of the Marquette University family for more than a decade, Interim Athletic Director Steve Cottingham has played an intricate role in the development of the Intercollegiate Athletics program at the University.

As Interim Athletic Director, Cottingham oversees Marquette's 14 intercollegiate sports and coaching staffs. He also supervises the management of the Intercollegiate Athletics team that handles the administrative functions of the department; including fiscal operations, media relations, facilities, fundraising, ticket sales and marketing.

During his tenure with the Golden Eagles, he has negotiated contracts of the MU coaching staff and helped complete the current deal with the Bradley Center (home of Marquette men’s basketball). Cottingham’s efforts in the University’s move to the BIG EAST Conference were vital and helped elevate the program’s profile on a national level. He is a member of the Athletic Board and serves on its equity committee.

Cottingham has a dual role with Marquette, also serving as Associate Senior Vice President. In that role, Cottingham serves as part of the university's administrative leadership team and is a member of the University Leadership Council. He has served in the Senior Vice President's office since 2003, after working the previous eight years as associate general counsel.

Cottingham joined the university's Office of the General Counsel in July 1995. Previously he was in private practice, specializing in corporate transactions, including the buying and selling of businesses, and securities law.

He earned his undergraduate degree at UW-Madison in 1983 and received his law degree from George Washington University in 1987.

Long lost twin brother of actor Paul Lieberstein who plays Toby Flenderson on The Office.

A resident of Mequon, Cottingham and his wife, Lisa, have one daughter (Taira).