ORONO, Maine - Maine athletic director Patrick Nero resigned Monday to
become commissioner of the America East Conference.

Nero will head the Boston-based conference made up of Maine and nine
other colleges.

Nero said he was attracted by the opportunity to have an impact on
college athletics at the national level.

"I have great respect and familiarity with all (of the) institutions
and the leaders that direct them," he said in a statement.

The Black Bears won five conference titles during Nero's two years at
Maine, and the hockey team advanced to the NCAA championship game.

Nero will succeed Chris Monasch, who left to become athletic director
at St. John's.

Besides Maine, America East includes Albany, Binghamton, Boston
University, Hartford, Maryland-Baltimore County, New Hampshire,
Northeastern, Stony Brook and Vermont.