The Big West Conference today announced a reorganization of its Conference Office and the promotion of several staff members.

The re-assignment of staff responsibilities was undertaken by Commissioner Dennis Farrell over the summer months with the intent of re-focusing staff members’ attention to their primary responsibilities; of allowing for more opportunity for strategic planning; and to bring more consistency in the administration of championships.

“Collegiate conference offices operate with four primary functions,” said Farrell.  “These include championship administration, external marketing/public relations, governance/compliance, and business services/administration.  Over the years I’ve been blessed to have an extremely talented and dedicated staff working for me and the Big West.  I’m convinced that this reshuffling of some job responsibilities will make us even more efficient.”

Rob Halvaks, a member of the Big West office staff since November, 1992, has been elevated in title to Deputy Commissioner and will continue in his role as the conference office’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.  He will be assisted by Director of Business Services Beth Holtermann.

Jody McRoberts, who has been a part of the conference office staff since 1983, will assume the title of Senior Associate Commissioner and continue in her role as the office’s Senior Woman Administrator.  As part of the re-organization, McRoberts will also head up the newly-formed Championships unit. 

Two long-time staffers, Erica Monteabaro and Mike Daniels, have been promoted to Associate Commissioner positions.

Monteabaro will continue to spearhead the conference’s Compliance and Governance operation and will be assisted by Melissa Swaffer, recently appointed as Assistant Director of Compliance. 

Daniels will continue to coordinate the conference’s marketing efforts and work with McRoberts in administering most of the Big West’s 16 championship sports.  Assisting in this area will be Chris Hargraves, who takes on the position of Assistant Director of Championships.

Additionally, the Conference Office reorganization will see Mike Villamor, Assistant Commissioner for External Affairs; Julie St. Cyr, Director of Communications; and Steve Chen, Director of New Media handling all of the Big West’s public relations/information and new technology initiatives.