A Champion for Student-Athletes: Joanne Dzama Honored as Morris County Athletic Director of the Year

We’re proud to share that Joanne Dzama, Morristown Beard School’s Upper School Director of Athletics, has been named the Morris County Athletic Director of the Year!

For Joanne, this recognition is more than just a professional milestone — it's a deeply personal honor.

“Morristown Beard isn’t just a school—it’s home. It’s a community that has shaped me, challenged me, supported me, and inspired me every single day,” she says. “My loyalty to this institution runs deep. It’s where I’ve spent my entire career, where I’ve grown both personally and professionally, and where I’ve had the privilege of helping to shape the lives of so many student-athletes. It is a great honor for me to represent a school such as Morristown Beard.”

She adds:

“I also want to recognize an incredible team I have the privilege of working alongside each day — Cathy Fleming, Mike Sturgeon, Ryan Liese, and our Head of School Liz Morrison — as well as our communications team and our athletic trainer, Dice. Your tireless work, flexibility, creativity, and deep care for our student-athletes does not go unnoticed.”

Joanne’s journey with MBS began in 1995, when she joined the School as its Athletic Trainer. Although she briefly stepped away to serve as the primary ICU Dietitian at Newark Beth Israel Hospital, her heart remained at MBS. In 2001, she returned — and never looked back.

Over the next decade, Joanne wore many hats, serving as Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Summer Programs before being named Director of Athletics in 2012. Her leadership, dedication, and impact on generations of student-athletes have made her a cornerstone of the MBS community.

Joanne was honored for this achievement at an awards celebration held at The Hanover Manor this past Monday night, where her contributions were recognized among peers from across the county.

Athletics have always been a lifelong passion for Joanne. Outside of MBS, she continues to feed her competitive drive by playing in a women’s softball league. She is also an active member of the National Athletic Trainers Association, the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, and the Academy of Dietetics.

Joanne holds a B.S. in Sports Medicine from West Chester University and a Master’s in Nutrition from the College of St. Elizabeth.

Please join us in celebrating Joanne for this well-earned recognition!