The Ohio Valley Conference named Brad Walker interim commissioner, effective May 1. Walker has served as associate commissioner/chief operating officer of the conference since November 2007. He replaces Jon Steinbrecher, who resigned last month to become commissioner of the Mid-American Conference.

“Brad brings depth, wisdom and experience to this position, having served as the chief operating officer since 2007. I am confident that he will do an exemplary job,” said Melvin Johnson, Tennessee State president and chair of the conference board of presidents. “I look forward to working with him as we carry out the mission of the OVC, placing emphasis on student-athlete scholarship, sportsmanship and collegiality.”

Before joining the Ohio Valley, Walker worked for several years at the West Coast Conference, the Summit League and Holy Cross. He is a member of the Championships/Sports Management Cabinet and a 2004 graduate of the NCAA Leadership Institute for Ethnic Minority Males. He holds a degree from Bentley, where he was a basketball student-athlete.

As associate commissioner, Walker was responsible for day-to-day conference operations, including finances, scheduling and championships planning. He also served as a liaison with select officiating coordinators and coaching groups and assisted with the television and web streaming properties.

Walker will serve as commissioner until a permanent replacement is found. The conference presidents will conduct a national search for the position.