Canisius Director of Athletics Bill Maher has been appointed to the 40-person roster of the inaugural NCAA Division I Council that has been approved by the NCAA Board of Directors and released today to the Division I membership.

“The MAAC is extremely pleased with Bill Maher being appointed by the NCAA Division I Board of Directors to the new governance system's Council,” MAAC Commissioner Richard J. Ensor, said. “Bill has an extensive resume of service on NCAA governance committees, including the previous Division I Leadership Council. That experience will serve the MAAC well as it participates in the new system and the effort to better manage the many issues confronting the NCAA membership.”

The 40-person roster includes many proven conference and national leaders and the NCAA Board of Directors noted its gratitude for the commitment by so many to participate in the work ahead in Division I. It is noteworthy that for the first time in Division I, student-athletes will be included on a council-level group as voting members. The Board is optimistic that this body is poised to offer visionary guidance on behalf of the collegiate experience of student-athletes and for the future of Division I intercollegiate athletics programs.

“I look forward to the opportunity to continue representing the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and its 11 member institutions as a representative to the newly formed Division I Council,” Maher said. “As we move into the new governance model for the NCAA at the Division I level, the communication and involvement at the campus level will be critical, and serving on this Council will allow me to help the MAAC navigate this new process.”

The appointment becomes effective on Jan. 16, 2015.