The SEC has found their new commissioner. Greg Sankey will be introduced as the new commissioner on Friday. Sankey will replace Mike Slive, who announced a retirement plan last year.
Vanderbilt chancellor Nick Zeppos will make the formal introduction Friday at a press conference scheduled for 11:00 a.m. eastern on Friday at Bridgestone Arena, where the SEC men’s basketball conference tournament is being held.
“The institutions of the Southeastern Conference searched for a commissioner who would carry forward the momentum of success enjoyed by the SEC over the last decade while also possessing a vision for change in the modern era of college athletics,” said Zeppos. “Greg Sankey’s experience with our institutions, his respect on the national landscape, his understanding of the balance of athletics and academics, and his passion for the welfare of student-athletes make him the perfect leader for the SEC.”
Sankey has been a part of the SEC for 13 years, serving roles as Executive Associate Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer since 2012. Since joining the SEC staff Sankey has played a role with the league’s governance, enforcement and compliance programs as well as directing the SEC’s championship staff.
“The universities of the SEC represent the greatest combination of academic and athletic excellence and I am honored to be selected to follow Mike Slive as commissioner of the Southeastern Conference,” Sankey said. “The SEC is poised to make a difference in the lives of student-athletes for generations to come. We must ensure that the lessons they learn from their achievements in competition and in the classroom translate into success in life after college.”
Sankey was previously the commissioner of the Southland Conference.