Former Epstein’s clothing magnate Stan Israel was appointed interim University of Maine coordinator of development for athletics on Tuesday because he was a “perfect fit,” according to Athletic Director Sue Tyler.

Israel will replace Craig Turnbull, who will leave UMaine July 1 to work for the Dreyfus Corporation.

Tyler said Israel, who will assume the position on June 1 and hold it through Dec. 31, will help the university continue in its fund-raising efforts as it conducts a national search for the job.

Israel, whose clothing chain closed last year due to a decline in business, said he is unsure what his responsiblities will be beyond fund raising, but believes he can help the university, the community and the state. While Israel said he doesn’t yet know if he will apply for the full-time position, working for the athletic department, he said, is his dream job.

“I would love to work there. I love to work in athletics,” Israel said. “I come from the retail business and the private sector. It’s going to be a wonderful time. I’m on cloud nine.”

Israel is an honorary member of the M Club and founder of the “500 Club,” which seeks to provide funding for UMaine Athletics. Most recently, he served as co-chair of the Black Bear Club Board of Advisors.

Turnbull had been at the forefront of many athletic fund-raising projects during his 2 1/2 years at UMaine. While handling corporate sponsorship, he organized and restructured UMaine’s athletic fund raising, helping the university increase its corporate sponsorship by 250 percent.

Tyler said Israel will help increase the Black Bear fund raising, working with the Black Bear Board of Directors, donors, and friends groups to raise money. Tyler listed Israel’s familiarity with the UMaine community among the valuable skills he brings to the position.

“He has done a lot with UMaine. He knows all the coaches,” Tyler said. “He has familiarity with a lot of players. I mean all the players in the program. Also, he’s well known at the other universities.”

However, Tyler added the position was offered to Israel because of his business skills, rather than his charitable work as a booster.

“I don’t see it as a thanks,” Tyler said. “He has the right skills, the energy, the enthusiasm and the loyalty we can use. And he was available.”

Tyler said Israel was the only one considered for the interim post because he stepped forward right after Turnbull’s resignation was announced and offered to serve in an interim capacity.

Should Israel apply, he would be considered for the full-time position, she added.

Israel, a 1959 graduate of the University of Vermont, joined Epstein’s in 1959 and served as president and CEO of the clothing store chain from 1974 until 1997. After taking over the business in 1974, Israel opened stores in Millinocket, Presque Isle, Bar Harbor, Ellsworth, Searsport, Houlton and Bangor.

After the business closed, Israel said he took time off before looking for work.

“Well, I’m unemployed. I need a job. And I wanted to remain in the area,” Israel said. “I needed to take time off. For 40 years I was in a business that went bad, it died out. I’m a workaholic… When Craig took another job, I went to Sue right away. I can help out. I have the expertise, I’m a business man, and I love athletics. I was volunteering, why not get paid?”