BOSTON — America East Commissioner Amy Huchthausen announced today a pair of conference staff promotions effective July 1. Shonna Brown has been promoted to Executive Associate Commissioner while Chad Dwyer has been elevated to Associate Commissioner for Championships.
“Shonna and Chad have excelled in their roles and enhanced the conference’s operation and services provided to our membership,” said Huchthausen. “Our entire team is extremely talented, focused and dedicated to providing a high-level of service and value for our membership. I’m grateful to work with such a quality group of individuals. The conference’s growth and success over the past few years is largely attributed to their collective ability and commitment to be forward-thinking and forward-acting on behalf of our schools.”
Brown came to the conference office in 2010 as Associate Commissioner and also was the Interim Commissioner in 2011 before serving as Senior Associate Commissioner most recently. In her role, Brown oversees the conference budget and all internal operations, which have become more organized and efficient under her leadership. Notably, she oversaw the conference’s office relocation efforts this past year resulting in the more functional work space for conference office staff. Brown also established the conference’s Continuing Ed program, which has included in-person professional development workshops as well as a digital series and supports the conference’s emphasis on its Leadership Pillar.
In her new role, Brown will continue to oversee all internal operations to ensure the conference’s business practices are efficient and effective and will also expand her role in working with the Athletic Directors Council and Board of Presidents.
“Shonna's been asked to do a great deal over the past few years as we’ve focused on improving the operation of our office and the services we provide to our members," said Huchthausen. "She has accepted and met each challenge along the way and our league is the better for it. Shonna has become a trusted sounding board on a number of matters and will continue to serve in that capacity with our athletics directors and presidents moving forward.”
Dwyer, previously the Assistant Commissioner for Championships, came to America East in 2008 and has enhanced the operation of America East championships on all fronts from planning and execution with host institutions, to brand integration at events and enhancing the overall student-athlete experience. He also has built positive working relationships with coaches in all of our sports and the Committee on Championships and Competition in overseeing all of the regular season and championship sport policies.
This past year, Dwyer led the process of adding four field hockey schools as associate members, strengthening the league as one of the sport’s best in the country. In his new role, he will be more involved with various conference operations as a member of the Commissioner’s management team.
"Chad’s continued growth as a manager and leader as well as his ability to focus on details while not losing sight of the big picture are a primary reason why the championships experience for our student-athletes has improved over the past few years," said Huchthausen. "He is a valuable member of our team with an incredible commitment to excellence and I look forward to working with him in this enhanced role.”
About America East: The America East provides its member schools and their athletic programs a platform upon which student-athletes can achieve both collegiate and life success through the promotion and nurturing of athletic excellence, academic achievement and leadership, on and off the field.