Reaction to Brad Walker's Hiring as America East Commissioner
“On behalf of the America East Board of Presidents, I am thrilled to welcome Brad Walker as the conference’s next commissioner. Brad stood out among an impressive candidate pool as the transformational leader who is best suited to lead America East to continued excellence. His depth of experience and proven track record as a communicator, consensus builder and visionary in both collegiate and professional sports will greatly benefit our member institutions, fostering a community in which our athletics programs can continue to thrive both athletically and academically. I want to thank our search committee co-chair, Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger, for assisting with leading the search, as well as each member of the committee for their strong commitment, active engagement and hard work that led to the successful completion of this search process and ultimately resulted in an outstanding commissioner for the America East,” Rodríguez continued. “I’d also like to recognize Parker Executive Search for its role in facilitating a successful search process. Together, we’ve identified a winner in Brad Walker – who will play a leading role in elevating America East to new heights.”
Havidán Rodríguez, President and America East Board of Presidents Chair - University at Albany
“I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know Brad during this search process as part of the committee. He is the perfect person to lead the America East Conference to uncharted success, and most importantly, support and elevate us as student-athletes. We are all excited to welcome Brad to the America East!”
Nia Wattley, Volleyball Student-Athlete & America East Conference SAAC Chair – Stony Brook University
“Our objective was to identify a visionary leader who could move our conference forward and lead us to new heights, and we definitely found that in Brad. His vision for how to elevate the America East Conference to the next level and navigate the many challenges of the current landscape are exactly what is needed. On behalf of the athletics directors, I am excited to work alongside Brad in pursuit of historic excellence for our schools, programs and student-athletes.”
Shawn Heilbron, Director of Athletics & America East Administration Group Chair – Stony Brook University
“Brad has played an integral role in all facets of G League operations since joining the NBA family in 2016. In Brad, the America East Conference is getting a seasoned sports executive and a person dedicated to excellence in everything he does. While we’ll miss him at the G League, I’m excited for Brad to take the next step in his journey to lead the America East Conference. I am sure he’ll make an impact on shaping the future of the America East Conference and the lives of its student athletes.”
Shareef Abdur-Rahim, President – NBA G League
“During the time we worked together at the OVC, Brad was a trusted advisor, valued confidant and dear friend. I know Brad to be a hardworking and charismatic leader who brings people together with his warm personality and passion for the student-athlete experience. Based on Brad’s years of experience in collegiate and professional sports, his vision, and his sense of integrity, I am confident Brad will do an exemplary job as the next commissioner of the America East Conference. I am delighted for Brad and the members of the America East Conference for the conference is replacing one terrific commissioner with another.”
Beth DeBauche, Commissioner – Ohio Valley Conference
“Brad is an exceptional person and a tremendous leader, who will continue the upward trajectory of the America East Conference. We have known each other for nearly two decades. He leads with compassion and competitiveness, with the interests of the student-athlete at the forefront of his priorities. Brad is an exceptional choice to continue to elevate the conference. I wish Brad all the best in this new leadership role as the commissioner of the America East Conference.”
Gloria Nevarez, Commissioner – West Coast Conference