WASHINGTON, DC - George Washington University President Steven Knapp today announced that Patrick Nero has been named as the school's new Director of Athletics. Nero brings to GW significant experience managing all aspects of NCAA Division I sports. He succeeds Jack Kvancz, who is retiring from the position after 17 years.
"Patrick Nero rose to the top of an outstanding pool of candidates. He has all the right skills and experience and a strong commitment to excellence, as well as to the academic success of our student athletes," said GW President Steven Knapp. "I am impressed by his strategic vision and look forward to working with him to build the future of athletics at George Washington."
Nero currently serves as Commissioner of the America East Conference. As the Chief Executive Officer, he oversees all facets of the operations of the NCAA Division I Conference, which consists of nine universities participating in 20 sports. While at the America East, he also has held numerous NCAA leadership roles, including serving on the NCAA Division I Leadership Council, NCAA Management Council and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Board of Directors. He is past chair of the Division I Commissioners Association and the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics.
"I appreciate the opportunity given to me by President Knapp and the George Washington University. As a leader in higher education, George Washington provides opportunities for its students, faculty and staff to achieve at the highest level and reach their greatest potential. I look forward to being part of the GW family and do all that I can to contribute to the mission of the University," said Nero.
Prior to being named Commissioner of the America East Conference, Mr. Nero was the Director of Athletics at the University of Maine. During his tenure at Maine, seven athletics teams qualified for the postseason over a two-year span, including NCAA Championship runner-up men's ice hockey. Eleven of his teams advanced to conference championship games and the University of Maine football team became the first I-AA team to defeat a Southeastern Conference (SEC) team.
Nero served as Senior Associate Athletic Director at the University of Miami (FL) from May of 1996 until March of 2003, where he was responsible for all aspects of external relations, including fundraising, marketing, corporate sponsorships, media relations, licensing and ticket sales. He directed a capital campaign and major gift activities for the department, including a new Convocation Center, a football training facility, a track and soccer stadium, and a baseball stadium renovation.
He also served as the Assistant Athletic Director for Development at Marquette University from 1994 to 1996, Assistant Athletic Director for External Relations at Lamar University from 1992 to 1994, and Director of Athletic Development at Providence College from 1988-1992.
A native of Providence, Rhode Island, Mr. Nero is a graduate of Providence College.
Patrick Nero Professional Summary
2011 - Director of Athletics, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
2005-2011 - Commissioner, America East Conference, Boston, MA
2003-2005 - Director of Athletics, University of Maine, Orono, ME
1996-2003 - Senior Associate Athletic Director, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
1994-1996 - Assistant Athletic Director for Development, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
1992-1994 - Assistant Athletic Director for External Relations, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX
1988-1992 - Director of Athletic Development, Providence College, Providence, RI
1987-1988 - Fundraising Director, CCS Fundraising Incorporated
Education
1987 - Providence College, Bachelor of Science in American Studies
Comments on the hiring of Patrick Nero
"As a former GW student-athlete, proud alumnus and member of the Board of Trustees, I am thrilled to welcome Patrick Nero to the George Washington University. His talent, skill and expertise are well recognized throughout intercollegiate athletics. He will be a tremendous asset to the university as we work to elevate the quality and stature of GW athletics"
-Russ Ramsey (BBA '81), Chairman of the GW Board of Trustees
"Patrick Nero is exactly what GW needs as A.D. He is an accomplished sports executive with the ability, respect and character we need to move forward. I am excited to work with him."
-Randy Levine (BA '77), President of the New York Yankees, member of the GW Board of Trustees
"Patrick is a tremendously strong administrator with a wealth of experience that will serve George Washington University well. Having worked with Patrick in the Conference Commissioners Association, I have a great respect for his leadership and administrative abilities, and I look forward to working with him in the Conference."
-Bernadette McGlade, Atlantic 10 Conference Commissioner
"For the past six years, I have had the great good fortune to work with Patrick Nero at both the America East and NCAA levels. He is one of the most highly respected conference commissioners, someone who understands the balance between athletic success and academic integrity and someone who is well known as a champion of the student athlete. GW picked a real winner!"
-Walter Harrison, President of the University of Hartford
