Gilleran Article

"When certain topics are brought up and I found myself cringing because I've had the conversation so many times, that's a clear message,'' he said. "People deserve better than that. They deserve better than I found myself doing.''

Gilleran has no idea what's next. He would like to teach sports management or sports law and joked that he might return to WCC games as a fan to "yell at the officials.''

A Seattle native, the 6-foot-5 1/2 Gilleran is a former college forward and three-year letter winner for Seattle University who played one season professionally in France. He worked for the NCAA prior to joining the WCC.

"Jamie has shown an ability to make immediate and significant contributions at every stop along his career path," said Rev. E. William Beauchamp, C.S.C., President of the University of Portland and chair of the WCC President's Council. "With his knowledge of the current collegiate athletics landscape, and specific experience in cultivating a national reputation in the sport of basketball, we are confident that Jamie is the right person to raise the conference profile to unprecedented levels."....

Among his most notable accomplishments at Princeton was negotiating a national television agreement with ESPN, the only such agreement in the Ivy League. He also created a prevalent brand identity for Princeton Athletics and managed a licensing program supported by a national trademark management firm.....

"With administrative experience at two of the most academically respected institutions in the nation, Jamie knows the importance and merit of academics and how student-athletes are an extension of academia," Beauchamp noted. "Our conference prides itself on integrity both in the classroom and in athletic competition, and Jamie is well-versed in both areas."