WASHINGTON, D.C. — Eddie Nuñez, Director of Athletics at University of New Mexico, has been named as a new board member for the LEAD1 Association (“LEAD1”), which represents the athletics directors of the 130-member schools of the Football Bowl Subdivision (“FBS”). Along with Nuñez, Allen Greene, Director of Athletics at Auburn University was also named to the board.
The announcements were made following the departure of Northwestern Vice President for Athletics, Jim Phillips, who will become the next Commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Greene will serve on LEAD1’s Executive Committee as Second Vice Chair. Nuñez will also serve on the Executive Committee as an At-Large representative.
“Our Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated team of industry leaders committed to providing strength, intelligence and sustainability for those in the college sports community,” said McMillen. “We are excited to channel Allen and Eddie’s talent, expertise and energy into furthering our mission.”
In August of 2020, Nuñez was appointed to a Lead1 working group to examine issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in college sports. Nuñez is one of three sitting ADs on the working group, joining Rice’s Joe Karlgaard and Sean T. Frazier of Northern Illinois.
The appointment is one of many for Nuñez, who also serves on the New Mexico Bowl Executive Board. Over his four years with UNM, Nuñez has served on the Executive Committee for the Mountain West as well as serving on numerous other conference committees.
“I’m really excited about this opportunity to be a part of this Board to help lead, shape and advance our industry,” said Nuñez.
The spring athletics directors meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 from 1-3pm EST. The LEAD1 Institute will also be held virtually as a “summer webinar series” beginning in late June through early July. Finally, the Association’s fall athletics director meeting, typically the largest gathering of FBS ADs nationwide, will be held in-person at the Conrad Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, September 21, 2021.
About the LEAD1 Association: LEAD1 represents the athletics directors of the 130 member universities of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Key to the LEAD1 mission are influencing how the rules of college sports are enacted and implemented, advocating for the future of college athletics, and providing various services to our member schools. For more information, please visit our website at www.LEAD1Association.com.