Lancaster, Pa. -  Jessica Huntley, the first commissioner of the Atlantic East Conference, announced that she is stepping down after six years in the position.

Huntley leaves the Conference but will remain in collegiate athletics for a position with Teamworks, a company that provides integrated tech solutions for college athletic departments at every level.

"It has been an honor for me to serve as Commissioner of the Atlantic East Conference," said Huntley. "I'd like to thank the member institutions for the opportunity and I believe that I am leaving the Conference in a good position."

Huntley, who previously served as the Assistant Executive Director of the Centennial Conference, was hired in 2018. During her tenure, the Atlantic East has made a name for itself within the Middle Atlantic region with its competitive sports and numerous opportunities for student-athletes to succeed.

She has skillfully managed the Conference membership that has seen changes since its founding in 2018 with the addition of Centenary University and Pratt Institute as full-time members. Cedar Crest College, Gallaudet University, St. Mary's (Md.) College, William Paterson and New Jersey City University have joined the fold as affiliate members in certain sports.

The Conference made a splash on the national scene when Cabrini University won the 2019 NCAA Division III men's lacrosse title. And in June 2023, Huntley worked with the NFL to have the Atlantic East become the first NCAA Conference in any division to offer female flag football as a sponsored varsity sport that will begin next spring.

Athletic Director Chair Keith Mondillo of Gwynedd Mercy stated, “I want to thank Jess for her time and service to the student-athletes of the Atlantic East Conference.  As the commissioner of a brand new conference six years ago, Jess established the AEC as a respected body within the NCAA.  Her connections within the national office and regionally, enabled the Atlantic East institutions to grow and prosper.  We will all miss her professionalism and leadership!  I wish her and her family the best of luck as she embarks on a new career.”

“We are grateful to Jessica Huntley, the founding Commissioner for the Atlantic East Conference, for providing strong leadership and helping to build a solid foundation for the next Commissioner and each of the schools in the Atlantic East, " said Gwynedd Mercy President Deanne D’Emilio. 

Assistant Commissioner Rebecca Mullen will serve as interim commissioner, while the Conference conducts a national search for Huntley's replacement.

President D’Emilio continued, “The President’s Council is very pleased to welcome Rebecca Mullen as Interim Commissioner. Rebecca has been with the Atlantic East as Assistant Commissioner and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role and we are excited to begin working with her to growth and strengthen the AEC for our student athletes.”

ABOUT ATLANTIC EAST
The Atlantic East Conference is a member of NCAA Division III comprising seven institutions in a four-state area - Gwynedd Mercy, Immaculata, Marywood and Neumann Universities in Pennsylvania; Centenary University in New Jersey, Pratt Institute in New York, and Marymount University in Virginia. 
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