Patrick Nero

Patrick Nero has over 30 years of experience in the areas of fundraising, higher education, and intercollegiate athletics. Patrick holds a BS from Providence College in his native state of Rhode Island. He received formal development training as an executive fundraising director for CCS fundraising in New York City, directing capital campaigns in higher education, healthcare and religious organizations.  Patrick worked in athletic fund-raising roles at Providence College, Lamar University and Marquette University, creating first time athletic development programs at both Providence and Marquette.   Patrick served as Senior Associate Athletic Director at the University of Miami, overseeing all revenue generating and external relations for the highly successful NCAA athletic program. Patrick led the athletic programs as Director of Athletics at the University of Maine and George Washington University. In 2017 the nation’s athletic director’s association honored Patrick with the NACDA Athletic Director of the Year Award.  During his tenures at Maine and George Washington, Patrick also chaired the Athletic Director’s Council for the America East Conference and Atlantic 10 Conference respectively. Patrick also served as Commissioner of the America East Conference for 7 years. During his tenure as America East Commissioner he served on the NCAA Leadership Council, the highest level of athletic administration governance in the NCAA. He also chaired the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics and the Division One subdivision of the Conference Commissioners Association. Patrick also served on the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Board of Directors and the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel, which oversaw playing rules for all NCAA sports in all three divisions.