WEST BABYLON, N.Y. – Longtime East Coast Conference Commissioner Bob Dranoff has announced he will step down as Commissioner on June 30, 2024. A search for a new Commissioner is currently underway, facilitated by Double LL Consulting.
"It is with very mixed emotions that we share Robert “Bob" Dranoff will step down from his position as East Coast Conference Commissioner in June 2024," said Lorrie Clemo, Presidents' Council Chair of the East Coast Conference. "After 16 years with the ECC, Bob will embark on a new chapter in his life. He proudly boasts the longest running tenure in conference history.
"His journey and leadership at the ECC have been nothing short of exceptional. During his time as Commissioner, Bob grew the conference by adding five new member schools along with several associate members in a variety of sports. He successfully added championships in several sports, and added new sport sponsorship in women’s bowling, men’s volleyball, and esports.
"Of special note, Bob expanded conference exposure and relationships by upgrading streaming of championships, creation of the ECC Hall of Fame, and partnering with organizations such as Team IMPACT and US Council of Athletes Health. The impact of these efforts enhanced the student-athlete experience, made athletic competition accessible to thousands of friends and families, and showcased the positive impact student-athletes have on colleges and communities.
"Bob brought a wealth of experience and fresh perspective to his role that will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of our conference. We have full faith that the talented team he has assembled will extend the same support for student-athletes and intercollegiate athletics that Bob has graciously demonstrated over this tenure as Commissioner. We wholeheartedly thank Bob for his unwavering support of student-athletes, member schools and athletic staff across the conference, and for the many shared triumphs we have had within the ECC. We wish him the very best as he moves into this new phase of his life."
Dranoff has served as ECC Commissioner since June 2008.
"I know that many of my friends and colleagues have known about my plan for a while, but with the search starting, I wanted to officially announce this news," said Dranoff. "I have been very lucky to have had the opportunity to serve in this role for 16 years and to have been aligned with the conference for nearly 30 as both an AD and Commissioner. The conference, both the NYCAC and later the ECC, and NCAA Division II, have been a big part of my life for so many years and moving on will not be easy, but it is time.
"The ECC is a special organization that means a great deal to me, professionally and personally. I have had really wonderful staff members who supported me over the years as well as presidents, and such dedicated administrators, coaches and student-athletes who I got a chance to work with, learn and laugh with over the years.
"Almost my whole career has been spent in college athletics from my first job at St. John's University as a kid right out of college in 1978 all the way to finishing up in this role in 2024. What a great journey, and what a great opportunity to meet and develop relationships with so many folks from my work with the NCAA, the D2 Commissioners, and various committees and organizations I was able to be involved in.
"I have been telling people that I really don't consider this a retirement. I know this will give me more time with my wife, Ann, and family. I intend to keep teaching and helping out and making a difference where I can. I truly believe in the power of sport and what it means to so many. But there is a lot of room for change, and I look forward to contributing where I can.
"I am sure there will be more on the search as it develops. Until then, I look forward to working hard for the conference and all those who make it such a special place."
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