Providence, RI (My Sportsbook) - The Big East Conference has named John Marinatto as its commissioner, replacing the outgoing Mike Tranghese.

Marinatto, who was appointed by unanimous vote by the league's chancellors and presidents, joined the Big East staff in 2002 as senior associate commissioner.

He will assume commissioner duties on July 1, 2009, a day after Tranghese steps down.

"John has helped shape our history, and he is passionate about our future. He already enjoys the trust and respect of our presidents and athletic directors, and is highly regarded within the conference staff," said Mark Nordenberg, chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh and co-chair of the search process. "We know that he will lead the Big East with both wisdom and integrity, and we all look forward to working with him."

As senior associate commissioner, Marinatto has served as the conference's chief operating officer and oversees all administrative operations.

Prior to coming to the Big East, Marinatto served as the athletic director at Providence -- his alma mater -- for 14 years.

Tranghese had previously announced his plans to retire on June 30, 2009. He has held the commissioner's position since 1990, was the conference's first employee back in 1979, and was instrumental in the growth of the Big East from a small collection of east coast schools into a multi-sport powerhouse.

Shortly after Tranghese took over for Dave Gavitt in June, 1990, he oversaw the formation of the Big East football conference, which began play in 1991. He pulled together several big name schools to the conference, which quickly gained recognition and entry into the Bowl Championship Series.

In addition, the basketball division grew from nine schools to its current 16 members, branching out as far as the midwest and south.