Derek Suranie is in his 13th year with North Georgia, having served in a variety of roles, but is in second year as Associate Athletics Director in 2011-12.

As the Acting Associate Athletics Director, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the department.

He served eight years as the Head Athletic Trainer, and is in his fifth year as the Athletic Training Coordinator and third as Clinical Coordinator. He will continue his Clinical Coordinator roles which includes teaching Athletic Training classes in the Health and Physical Education Department, serving as a clinical instructor for students in the Athletic Training Education Program, as well as coordinating medical care for the athletic department.

Suranie is from Woonsocket, RI where he graduated from Woonsocket High School. He attended Marietta College in Marietta, OH and graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine. He went on to work in Nashua, NH at the Center for Physical Therapy and Exercise. Suranie coordinated Athletic Training services for Souhegan High School as well as maintaining a full patient load in the clinic.

Suranie recently attended the All Academy Physical Education Symposium at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He also participated in the inaugural Summer Transition Program at NGCSU. Suranie and his wife Jill moved to the North Georgia region in the 1998 and began his employment in NGCSU in 1999. He received his Masters of Education from NGCSU in 2001.