Suffolk AD, Jim Nelson Named GNAC Executive of the Year

Suffolk University Director of Athletics, Jim Nelson was named Executive of the Year by the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) for 2010. Nelson received his recognition on Thursday, August 12th at the GNAC’s Professional Development Seminar in Boston.

Nelson has been serving as Director of Athletics at Suffolk since 1975. He began working at Suffolk in 1966 as an assistant director of athletics and men's assistant basketball coach. From 1976 until 1995, he was head coach of the men's basketball team, guiding the Rams to appearances in the NCAA Division III Regional Tournament in each of his first two seasons at the helm.

GNAC Commisioner Joe Walsh praised Nelson for his value to the conference. "As commissioner I am honored to work with Coach Nelson. His experience, wisdom and committment to the GNAC are greatly valued."

Nominated and voted by his peers for his award, Nelson has gained the admiration and respect of his collegues. Johnson & Wales Director of Athletics, John Parente commented on Nelson’s contributions to the league; "on numerous occasions throughout the GNAC's fifteen years of existence, Jim Nelson has been able to steady the waters as we have channeled through many situations, large and small.  His depth of knowledge and his wealth of experience aided us to reach consensus on a wide variety of issues, which, in turn, have greatly benefitted the conference's student-athletes."

The Great Northeast Athletic Conference is made up of 13 NCAA Division-III institutions throughout the New England region. Suffolk has been a member of the GNAC since 2000.