The East Hampton School Board unanimously approved the appointment of Todd Gulluscio as the district's new director of athletics, physical education, health, and driver education at its meeting on Tuesday.
His appointment, at an annual salary of $199,000, will run for three years, effective July 1.
Mr. Gulluscio is currently the director of athletics, health, wellness, and personnel for the Shelter Island School District, where he has worked since 2014. He will replace East Hampton's popular athletic director, Kathy Masterson, who is retiring after four years with the district.
Mr. Gulluscio said Tuesday that he got more and more excited about the job as he went through the application process. "Talking with coaches and teachers and administrators and really the kids. The kids really drew me in. I became more and more energized as it went on, and after our final meeting, I was happy to get that phone call and text from Adam that I'd be coming aboard here. It was so exciting to me. I hope to continue to bring that energy to what we're doing here and build on the great foundation that Kathy has really built."
Adam Fine, the district's superintendent, had the tough job of making the final decision after narrowing down the pool of applicants to two finalists, but said he has no question they've got the right guy.
"He checks all the boxes. He's an experienced athletic director. He's from the East End. He has a significant relationship with our past athletic director and a successful relationship: They're friends. His standing in Section XI, his standing in New York State, and his soon-to-be standing on the national board of athletic directors — he's an honorable person. He's got good ethics and morals, and I think we're looking to continue the work Kathy did and Todd's the person to do it."
In 2024, Mr. Gulluscio was named the Section XI athletic director of the year and received the Award of Merit from the New York State Athletic Administrators Association for outstanding leadership. From 2019 to 2023, he served as the vice president and then president of the Athletic Administrators Association. Before joining Shelter Island, Mr. Gulluscio had been the athletic director in the Greenport and Sag Harbor School Districts.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education teaching and coaching from Florida Southern College and a master's degree in elementary education from Long Island University, Southampton. He also holds an advanced certificate as a school district leader and school building leader from Dowling College.
Mr. Gulluscio grew up on Shelter Island, but has strong ties to East Hampton. His wife, Jennifer, is a Bonac alum. His son, Tyler Gulluscio, currently a teaching assistant at the high school, was an assistant coach for the girls varsity basketball team and a coach of the middle school boys and girls track team.
Ms. Masterson, a tough act to follow, will serve as a consultant to the district through the end of 2026. "I will be there to support a strong transition, every step of the way, making sure Bonac stays in the forefront of athletics on the East End," she said. As for her successor, she said, "He's going to be an amazing fit for East Hampton — hard-working, thoughtful, and an all-around amazing person."