"Patrick Nero embodies the qualities we were looking for in a Commissioner," said Harrison. "He has familiarity with America East and an impressive record of achievement both at Maine and throughout his career. Patrick is well-respected by his peers in America East and has demonstrated tremendous leadership abilities. His philosophy on the direction of America East will provide long-term stability for the conference in both academic and athletics endeavors."

Nero becomes the third commissioner in America East history. He replaces Chris Monasch, who resigned in March to become Director of Athletics at St. John's University. He will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of America East and will oversee all facets of the operations of the NCAA Division I conference, which conducts championships in 22 sports. America East begins its 18th year as an all-sports conference in the fall. The conference was originally formed as an association of men's basketball institutions in 1979 and served in that capacity until 1987.

"The opportunity to lead the America East Conference is one that excites me," said Nero. "I have great respect and familiarity with all nine institutions and the leaders that direct them. The conference is coming off its most successful year and has the potential to get even better in the years to come."

Nero was named Director of Athletics at Maine on March 12, 2003. 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. Maine captured its first America East Academic Cup, given to the institution whose student-athletes have the highest cumulative grade point average, with a record 3.12 grade-point average in 2003-04.

The Black Bear athletic teams have also experienced great success during Nero’s tenure. Maine won seven conference titles and 11 teams advanced to conference title games. The men's ice hockey team advanced to the 2004 NCAA Championship game, while the football team became the first NCAA Division I-AA team to beat a SEC team with its historic win against Mississippi State. The women’s basketball, baseball, softball and men’s cross country teams each won America East titles during his tenure, while the field hockey and women’s soccer teams advanced to the conference championship game.

As an administration, the Maine athletic department focused on balancing its annual budget successfully, while undertaking capital construction projects to prepare for the future. The newly constructed Shawn Walsh Center is now the off-ice home of both the men’s and women’s ice hockey programs and was financed though donations from alumni and supporters of the program. The Kessock Softball Stadium has been upgraded, and a new Hall of Fame is scheduled to open this fall. A ground-breaking for a new indoor practice facility for both men’s and women’s sports will be held this summer. All of these projects have been possible thanks to generous private support.

Community support for the department improved steadily with new attendance records for several programs, while donations to the Black Bear Fund are at a record high. The department’s corporate support is also at its highest point in history.

"I take pride in what our students and coaches have accomplished in my time at Maine. The fact that I will be able to continue to work with them in this new capacity will make for a smooth transition," said Nero.

Prior to his service at Maine, Nero was the senior associate athletics director at the University of Miami (1996-2003), where he oversaw the external operations for the Hurricanes, including the direction of a $100 million capital campaign.

A native of Rhode Island and a 1987 graduate of Providence College, Nero began his athletic career at his alma mater, when he served as director of athletic development from 1988-92. Nero was an assistant athletic director at Lamar University from 1992-94 and held a similar title at Marquette for two years before moving to Miami.