New American Athletic Conference Announces Promotions, New Staff Members

Coinciding with the July 1 launch of the American Athletic Conference, Commissioner Mike Aresco has announced an office reorganization which includes several promotions, the creation of several new positions and consolidation of existing functions within the conference office.

AmericanLogo“As our reinvented conference moves forward, I am pleased to announce a series of personnel moves that will strengthen and streamline our organization and enhance the level of service to our membership,” said Aresco. “These moves will make us more nimble and efficient as we address the changing needs of the conference.”

Tom Odjakjian, who has been with the Big East Conference for more than 18 years, has been promoted to Senior Associate Commissioner for Broadcasting and Digital Content. Odjakjian will assume oversight of all conference content, including its digital content, and will continue to serve as the primary liaison with the conference’s television partners. Odjakjian joined the Big East staff in 1995 and most recently held the title of Associate Commissioner for Television and Men’s Basketball Scheduling.

Mark Hodgkin has been promoted to Senior Director of Digital Media. Hodgkin joined the Big East staff in 2009 and has overseen the conference’s website and social media platforms. In his new role, he will assume additional duties in branding and digital media management.

Michael Costa has been promoted to Director of Football and Video Administration. Costa will be involved in all aspects of the American Athletic Conference’s football efforts, including the establishment of a conference championship game in 2015.

Lois DeBlois has been promoted to Executive Assistant for Administration. DeBlois, who has been with the conference since 1991, will support all aspects of the conference’s internal operations.

The American has added John Larson as the Conference’s Chief Financial Officer. Larson had been serving in that capacity on an interim basis since February and will oversee all accounting and financial policies for the conference. Larson holds an undergraduate degree in economics from Georgetown University and earned a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Hartford. He holds CPA and CCM designations.

Michael Coyne will assume a new role as Assistant Director of Broadcast Scheduling, in which he will assist with the league’s television and digital initiatives. Coyne, who has been with the conference since 2006, had previously served as Assistant Director of Communications.

Catherine Carmignani has accepted the new position of Branding and Event Coordinator. She will be responsible for implementing the conference’s branding strategy and initiatives with respect to Olympic sports, meetings and events. Carmignani had served as a Sport Administration Assistant at the conference office before taking on her new role.

Jamie Corun has accepted the new position of Digital Communications Coordinator. Corun, who spent last season as the league’s Digital Media Assistant, will be responsible for a variety of content across the conference’s digital and social media platforms.

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