Conference USA Commissioner Judy MacLeod announced today that Merton Hanks has been named Senior Associate Commissioner for the league. He will be responsible for managing all of the league’s operations for Football and Baseball.
Hanks comes to C-USA following 13 seasons with the National Football League office, where he served as Vice President, Football Operations & Compliance since 2011. In that role, he served as the NFL Compliance Appeals officer, instituted safety and equipment upgrades, and coordinated departmental business strategy. Hanks served as the Co-Chair of the NFL College Relations and Campus Visitation Committee and served as the lead liaison to AFCA, NFLPA, NCAA and NFL club administration. Prior to his promotion to Vice President in 2011, Hanks served in the NFL’s Football Operations and Consumer Products areas for eight years.
“We are very excited to welcome Merton to our senior management team,” said MacLeod. “The qualities, experiences, skill set and overall perspective he brings will enable him to make an immediate impact and provide meaningful service to our membership.”
With Conference USA, Hanks will be responsible for the conference’s football and baseball operations, including officiating, scheduling, game operations, player conduct and safety and more. He will also oversee the league's public affairs activities, including media, public and community relations.
“I am thrilled to be joining Conference USA,” said Hanks. “The dynamic vision of Commissioner MacLeod, the passionate conference staff and clear commitment to serving the student athlete make for a great fit.”
Hanks played nine seasons in the National Football League, including eight with the San Francisco 49ers. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro member. Hanks was a starting safety on the 49ers team that won Super Bowl XXIX over San Diego in January, 1995.
Since his retirement as a player, Hanks has served in a number of radio and television roles, while also conducting speaking engagements around the country.
A Dallas native, Hanks graduated from Lake Highlands High School. He played college football at Iowa, earning a B.A. in Liberal Arts in 1990. Hanks also completed the Sport Administration master’s program at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business Executive Education in 2005 and 2012.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT MERTON HANKS
Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner
“Merton has always been profoundly dedicated to our game, first as an outstanding NFL player and later as an executive in our office. His ability to build relationships with contributors at every level of our sport, from youth football to college coaches, NFL executives, and some of the very best players to ever compete on an NFL field, is a great example of how well he works with people. We wish Merton all the best as he embarks on his next challenge with Conference USA.”
Eddie DeBartolo Jr., Pro Football Hall of Fame owner and five-time Super Bowl Champion
“Merton was a big reason for our Super Bowl success as a safety for the 49ers. His experience as a player at the highest level of football and as an executive in the NFL office gives Merton a unique perspective to help lead Conference USA. He and his wife Marva have a terrific family and their new community is going to love them as much as we do.”
Bill Hancock, College Football Playoff Executive Director
“I have enjoyed working with Merton through the years. It’s great that he will be working in the college world now at Conference USA.”
Ray Anderson, Arizona State Vice President/Athletics Director
“Conference USA and Commissioner MacLeod have made a wise decision in adding Merton Hanks as its Senior Associate Commissioner. During my entire experience with Merton at the NFL showed his sharp administrative skills. More importantly, he has incredible people skills and will serve the Conference very well.”
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Merton Hanks Named Senior Associate Commissioner
