Pirates find their man

From staff reports
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Northern Illinois associate vice-president and director of athletics Jeff Compher will step into Terry Holland's shoes as East Carolina's AD. Compher will assume the position on May 1 with a five-year contract and a compensation package that includes a $415,000 annual salary plus bonuses.

“Jeff Compher is a proven leader in moving an entire athletic department forward,” ECU chancellor Steve Ballard said during a Murphy Center press conference Wednesday announcing Compher's hiring.

Compher's leadership accomplishments during a stint at NIU that began in 2008 included an appearance by the school's football team in the 2012 Orange Bowl.

The Huskies' success in the Mid-American Conference during Comper's tenure was a key factor in his selection for the job in Greenville.

“Jeff Compher brings to ECU an outstanding record of success, specifically winning championships,” said Robert Lucas, chairman of the board of trustees at East Carolina.

A native of Baltimore and an alumnus of James Madison, Compher's resume includes administrative positions at North Carolina State, Vanderbilt, Western Carolina and Washington. He played football at JMU.

One of Compher's first tasks upon taking on his new duties will be overseeing ECU's transition from Conference USA to the Big East.

"I believe ECU is poised for greatness and I am thrilled to be a part of the Pirate Nation," Compher said.

Compher, 53, and his wife, Cathy, have two sons, C.J. and David.

Ballard set in motion a national search for a successor to Holland after the 70-year-old collegiate athletics icon announced in December that he would step aside when his replacement was found.

Holland, who became ECU's athletics director in 2004, will continue to be involved with the Pirates in the role of AD emeritus until his contract expires in December 2014.

PAGE UPDATED 03/07/13 03:27 PM.

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