INDIANAPOLIS  -- James L. Isch was named interim NCAA president today, succeeding Myles Brand who died of pancreatic cancer September 16.  University of Georgia President and NCAA Executive Committee Chair Michael Adams made the announcement in Indianapolis following a meeting by the committee’s administrative subcommittee.

Isch will be responsible for providing daily oversight and strategic direction to the organization until such time that the executive committee names a new president.

Previously, Isch served as senior vice president and chief financial officer in the national office and has been with the NCAA since 1998.  Prior to coming to the NCAA, Isch was vice chancellor for finance and administration at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.  Prior to that, he was vice president for administration at Montana State University in Bozeman.  Isch has an undergraduate degree in accounting and a Ph.D. from Kansas State University and an MBA from Boston University.

“Although I deeply regret the circumstance, I’m honored to be named interim president, and I can assure all involved in intercollegiate athletics that we will continue on the course that Myles set—one that keeps a keen focus on the academic achievement of all student-athletes,” said Isch.  “Great leaders like Myles Brand build strong organizations that can thrive regardless of the circumstance, and I’m confident that we’ll continue our important work and move forward.”

“Jim Isch has played a key role in advancing the organization under Myles, and the entire administrative subcommittee has complete confidence in his ability to lead the Association until a new president is named,” said Adams.  “Jim has an incredibly impressive record and I’m confident that he will provide strong leadership for the Association during this time of transition.”

The Executive Committee will meet October 29 in Indianapolis at its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting to discuss the search for the next NCAA president.

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