Linda Bruno, the commissioner of the Atlantic 10, resigned after 13 years. Press release below, full story in tomorrow’s Hatchet.
Linda Bruno, the fourth commissioner in the history of the Atlantic 10 Conference, today announced her resignation, effective June 30, 2008. Bruno was named commissioner on June 14, 1994.
“After almost a decade-and-a-half with the Atlantic 10, I’ve decided it’s time for new challenges,” said Ms. Bruno. “I look back on the past 13 years with pride. The league has made tremendous strides, both on the field of play and off. We have strengthened our membership, strengthened our commitment to excel, and strengthened the future of the Atlantic 10.”
During her tenure, Ms. Bruno strengthened the Atlantic 10’s membership with the additions of Charlotte, Dayton, Fordham, La Salle, Richmond, and Saint Louis; negotiated two television contracts with ESPN – the most lucrative and extensive packages in league history; was among the first to sign a contract with College Sports Television; added women’s rowing, men’s and women’s outdoor track & field, and women’s lacrosse to the Conference’s championship slate; and created officiating bureaus for baseball, field hockey, men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball to better serve those Atlantic 10 programs.
She also headed the Atlantic 10 as it evolved into one of the prominent basketball conferences in the country. Since 1994-95, the league has earned multiple berths to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament 11 times, including five bids in 1996-97 and 1997-98. Bruno also was responsible for securing the 2001 (regional) and 2006 (first and second rounds) NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournaments to Philadelphia, and the highly successful 2007 A-10 Men’s Basketball Championship at Boardwalk Hall marked the first of a two-year association with the Atlantic City (N.J.) Convention & Visitors Authority. She also began the Commissioner’s Honor Roll, which recognizes all Atlantic 10 student-athletes with a 3.5 GPA or better.
“On behalf of the Council of Presidents and the entire Atlantic 10 Conference, I want to thank Linda for her many years of service and commitment,” said Xavier University President Fr. Michael J. Graham, President of the Presidents Council of the Atlantic 10 Conference. “Linda’s leadership through the expansion process helped solidify the foundation of the Atlantic 10. Her insight on national issues has been unmatched and her efforts over these past 13 years have and will continue to go a long way in ensuring the future success of the league.”
