PROVIDENCE, R.I., Nov. 12 (UPI) -- John Marinatto has been promoted to commissioner of the Big East Conference.
Marinatto, currently the league's senior associate commissioner, will replace Mike Tranghese effective July 1 when Tranghese steps down after 19 years as Big East Conference commissioner.
The league, in a release, said Marinatto was appointed through a unanimous vote of its members' chancellors and presidents. He's been with the Big East since 2002 and was the athletic director at Big East-member Providence for 14 years prior to that.
"John has helped shape our history, and he is passionate about our future. He already enjoys the trust and respect of our presidents and athletic directors, and is highly regarded within the conference staff," said Mark Nordenberg, chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh and co-chairman of the search process. "We know that he will lead the Big East with both wisdom and integrity and we all look forward to working with him."
Tranghese had previously announced his intention to retire next June. Under his tenure the Big East grew to a 16-team league and began competing in football.
