Michael Tranghese, Big East commissioner, will retire June 30, 2009. He has been with the conference since 1979 and succeeded the conference’s first commissioner, Dave Gavitt, in 1990.

“I have been privileged to work with outstanding presidents and athletics directors for nearly 30 years,” Tranghese said. “Looking back to when Dave Gavitt created the conference, it is truly amazing how far we have come.”

Tranghese directed the creation of Big East football and helped the conference become a charter member of the Bowl Championship Series. He has held several NCAA leadership positions, including positions on the Men’s Basketball Committee and the Men’s Basketball Subcommittee on Television. He served a two-year term as leader of the Bowl Championship Series.

He oversaw the creation of several Big East television agreements, including with ESPN and CBS Sports.

“I am stepping down at this point because I believe it is the right time,” he said. “The conference is in great shape, and it will give my successor the best opportunity to be successful.”