Patrick Nero, the former Athletic Director at the University of Maine, began his tenure as America East Commissioner on August 14, 2005. Nero serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Conference overseeing all facets of the operations of the NCAA Division I Conference, which is home to nine Universities participating in 21 sports. Nero is the third commissioner in America East history.
Besides his responsibilities within the America East Conference, Nero also serves on the NCAA Management Council, the NCAA Playing Rules oversight Panel and the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics.
Prior to being named Commissioner, Nero served as the Maine Athletic Director for three years. In his tenure at Maine, Nero quickly delivered on a pledge of an athletic program that encouraged its student-athletes to strive for success in the classroom as well as in athletic endeavors. Behind Nero’s leadership, Maine captured its first ever America East Academic Cup in 2004, given to the institution whose student-athletes achieve the highest cumulative grade point average, with a conference record 3.12 grade point average.
The same year as winning the academic cup, Maine finished second in the America East Commissioner Cup which rewards athletic success. This is the highest finish in Maine history. Maine won seven conference titles in Nero’s tenure and 11 teams advanced to conference title games. The men’s ice hockey team advanced to the National Championship game, while the football team became the first NCAA Division 1-AA to beat an SEC team with its historic win against Mississippi State.
Prior to his tenure at Maine, Nero served as the Senior Associate Athletic Director at the University of Miami. A native of Providence, Rhode Island, Nero began his athletic administration career at his alma mater, Providence College. He also served in various roles at Lamar University and Marquette University prior to his seven years at Miami.
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