Patrick Nero

Position: Director of Athletics and Recreation Experience: 2nd year at GW Alma Mater: Providence '87

In his second year as Director of Athletics and Recreation at the George Washington University, Patrick Nero's first year in DC saw the Colonials achieve unprecedented competitive success across GW's 23 intercollegiate athletic programs, culminating with five teams winning championships in their respective sports, four Colonials' head coaches winning A-10 Coach of the Year honors, and 35 George Washington student-athletes achieving all-conference recognition.

Hired on April 20, 2011 by George Washington president Steven Knapp, Nero brought to GW significant experience managing all aspects of NCAA Division I sports. The athletic success reached in his first year was complemented by another outstanding year in the classroom and community for GW student-athletes, with 25 student-athletes earning Academic All-Conference accolades, over 170 earning a place on the A-10 Commissioner's Fall and Spring Honor Rolls, and all GW teams participating in at least one of 35 different community service projects.

In February 2011, under Nero's leadership, and with the support and approval of the GW Board of Trustees and university leadership, the Department of Athletics and Recreation completed and released a five-year strategic plan for GW Athletics and Recreation which articulates the commitment of the university to building a world-class Department of Athletics and Recreation focused on cultivating champions in the classroom, community and in competition.

Constituents and stakeholders of GW Athletics and Recreation have been quick to respond to Nero's vision as George Washington's ticket sales, event attendance and fund-raising efforts have all increased since his hire. The business community has taken notice as well, demonstrated by several new corporate partnerships with industry leaders like Nike and IMG College.

Prior to his tenure at George Washington, Nero served as Commissioner of the America East Conference. As the Chief Executive Officer, he oversaw all facets of the operation of the NCAA Division I Conference, which consists of nine universities participating in 20 sports. While at the America East, he 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, and currently serves on the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Issues Committee.

Prior to being named Commissioner of the America East Conference, 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 (Fla.) 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, Nero is a graduate of Providence College.

Patrick Nero Professional Summary
2011 - Director of Athletics, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
2005-2011 - Commissioner, America East Conference, Boston, Mass.
2003-2005 - Director of Athletics, University of Maine, Orono, Maine
1996-2003 - Senior Associate Athletic Director, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Fla.
1994-1996 - Assistant Athletic Director for Development, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisc.

1992-1994 - Assistant Athletic Director for External Relations, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas
1988-1992 - Director of Athletic Development, Providence College, Providence, R.I.
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