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Britton Banowsky, a Big 12 associate commissioner for the past six years, has been named to succeed Mike Slive as Conference USA commissioner. (C-USA.)

Britton Banowsky has been named Commissioner of Conference USA, it was announced Monday by Dr. James H. Woodward, Chancellor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Chair of the Board of Directors.

Banowsky, who will become the league's second commissioner, agreed to a multi-year contract. He begins his duties at Conference USA December 1.

"I think Britton is the ideal person to serve as the second Commissioner of Conference USA," said Woodward. "His experiences have prepared him well to provide the leadership for the continuing development of our conference."

Banowsky, a licensed attorney in the state of Texas, has more than 13 years experience as a collegiate conference administrator. He comes to Conference USA from the Big 12 Conference, where has served as Associate Commissioner for the past six years. Banowsky was instrumental in laying the organizational foundation for the Big 12 prior to its official launch in July, 1996.

Since the formation of the Big 12, he has been responsible for management of the conference's legal affairs, including the administration of television, bowl, and championships agreements. He has overseen national policy development, governance and NCAA regulatory matters, as well as assisted the commissioner in strategic planning and the management of the league office. Banowsky also served as a corporate officer and liaison to the league's Board of Directors.

BRITTON BANOWSKY AT A GLANCE

Personal:

Born: January 9, 1960
Birthplace: Los Angeles, Calif.
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Family: Wife - Cindy; Children - Kendall (17), Brit (15), Wade (9)

Education:

University of Oklahoma College of Business (1983)
University of Oklahoma College of Law (1986)

Athletic Administration Experience:

1989-91 Assistant Commissioner, Southland Conference
1991-93 Assistant Commissioner, Southwest Conference
1993-96 Commissioner, Southland Conference
1996-2002 Associate Commissioner and General Counsel, Big 12 Conference
2002 Commissioner, Conference USA

Legal Experience:

1986-1989 Private Practice

Membership on Boards and Committees:

Collegiate Commissioner's Association (Secretary-Treasurer)

"I am truly pleased to have the opportunity to serve the members of Conference USA," Banowsky said. "The conference is clearly committed to excellence in all of its activities and has a very bright future. I look forward to meeting the coaches and administrators and getting started."

Prior to joining the Big 12, Banowsky was the Commissioner of the Southland Conference. During his tenure at the Southland, he incorporated the conference, engaged its Board of Directors, negotiated a television agreement, founded a corporate sponsorship program, and directed a conference-wide initiative to develop women's athletics. He was also significantly involved in the expansion of the Southland Football League, one of the nation's premier Division I-AA football conferences.

Banowsky was an Assistant Commissioner at the Southland for three years before joining the former Southwest Conference as an Assistant Commissioner. While at the old SWC, Banowsky was responsible for the league's legal affairs and compliance activities.

The 42-year old Banowsky has served on several national committees, including the NCAA Special Committee to Review Marketing and Licensing Activities; the NCAA Two-Year College Relations Committee, and the NCAA Division I Management Council. He is currently the Secretary-Treasurer of the Collegiate Commissioners Association (CCA), an office he has held since 1998.

Born in Los Angeles, Calif., Banowsky has spent most of his professional career in the state of Texas. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where he earned both a business and a law degree. Banowsky and his wife, Cindy, have three children; Kendall (17), Brit (15), and Wade (9).