University of Maine senior associate athletic director Blake James was named the university’s interim athletic director on Thursday.

James will take over while the university searches for a permanent replacement for Patrick Nero, who is leaving UMaine July 23 to become the commissioner of the America East Conference.

Nero, who became the UMaine AD in March of 2003, announced his resignation June 27. He will start his duties at the America East office in Boston on Aug. 8.

After classes begin this fall the university will begin a national search to find a permanent athletic director.

Nero endorsed James to take over as permanent AD after he announced his resignation. The two worked together at University of Miami in corporate sales and athletic development.

James, who has served as UMaine’s senior associate AD since October 2003, said he has not officially applied for the permanent athletic director position but expressed interest in the job to UMaine president Robert Kennedy. The two met Tuesday before James left for a vacation to visit family in Minnesota and South Dakota.

Kennedy called James Thursday morning to offer him the interim position.

“It’s a great opportunity for me and a great fit for the university if you look at all the things that are going on,” James said from South Dakota. “… In a way it’s almost like a year-long job interview. President Kennedy will have a chance to evaluate my performance and see what direction the department takes in the next year.”

James, 36, is heading up the searches for UMaine’s next head baseball and softball coaches. He is also busy preparing for the July 23-25 Maine hockey alumni weekend, which will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Shawn Walsh Center at Alfond Arena.

James has also been responsible for marketing, ticketing, retail operations, and athletic development while also being the sport administrator for men’s and women’s track and field and cross country, men’s soccer, men’s basketball and baseball.

“Blake’s direct experience with so many aspects of our athletic program has prepared him well for this role,” Kennedy said. “I am pleased with the overall direction of our athletic department, and I am confident that Blake will provide the leadership that will help us continue that momentum.”

James arrived in Orono in October 2003. Prior to UMaine he worked in athletic development at Providence College, where he established the “Friars Forever” campaign and established the Friar Athletic Club.

He began his career at the University of Miami and has also worked at the University of Nebraska.

James received a bachelor’s degree in marketing in 1992 from Minnesota State University-Mankato.

He earned a master’s degree from St. Thomas University (Miami). James and his wife, Kelly, live in Veazie with their daughter, Haley, and son, Ryan.