NEW YORK - A new era is underway for the NCAA Big East Conference and it will be led by Val Ackerman, who has been appointed as inaugural Commissioner.

A dedicated and passionate advocate for the values of amateur athletics, Ackerman has a distinguished and accomplished career, which has included various executive posts at the NBA, serving as USA Basketball President and also as the distinguished position as founding President of the WNBA as well as being a member of FIBA's Central Board and the International Basketball Federation's Competitions Commission.

Speaking about her new role, Ackerman expressed her admiration for past accomplishments of the Conference and a desire to take it onto even greater things.

"I am honored to be given this incredible opportunity to work in partnership with the 10 world-class institutions that are marching ahead under the Big East banner," she said.

"Our mission is simple - to continue and enhance the Big East's legacy of intense competition, spirited rivalries and unparalleled achievement, not only in college basketball, but in all intercollegiate sports."

The appointment of Ackerman was endorsed by NBA Commissioner David Stern, who threw his support behind the decision.

"I congratulate the Big East for making such an inspired choice in Val Ackerman," said Stern.

"I had the pleasure of working alongside Val for many years, including the period in which she transformed the WNBA from a mere concept, into a thriving basketball league.

"Her experience and intelligence, along with a keen analytic ability, an intense work ethic and a winning management style will help steer the historic Big East Conference to even greater heights."

Earlier this year, the respective Presidents of Butler, Creighton, DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, Seton Hall, St John's, Villanova and Xavier gathered to announce the formation of the new Big East Conference.

And several of those members also expressed their excitement at Ackerman leading the rejuvenated approach.

"Val is exactly what the Big East needs," insisted Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of Providence College.

"She embodies the highest personal and professional values of the sports industry and is a hard-charging and innovative leader who can shepherd the conference to continued success."

Georgetown University President John DeGioia added: "Val has achieved great success within every element of the sports business industry.

"With the psyche of a former Division I athlete, she has marshalled operations that directly resulted in elite levels of play, lucrative sponsorship deals, and lasting partnerships.

"We are thrilled to welcome her to the Big East."

Ackerman has most recently served as a consultant to the NCAA, for which she completed a comprehensive analysis on the state of women's college basketball.

She is also a Board member of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. She is also an adjunct professor at Columbia University.

FIBA