July 5, 2006

Fairfax, Va. (July 5, 2006)-- George Mason Athletic Director Tom O'Connor announced today that Max Baker has been promoted to Associate Athletic Director/Executive Director of the Patriot Club. Baker fills the vacancy left by James "Buzzy" Correll, who is returning to his alma mater North Carolina State in a similar role.

"Max has proven to have the professional skills and ability to lead this key component of Mason's athletic department," said O'Connor. "He did a great job during Mason's first-ever trip to the NCAA Final Four and having worked so closely with "Buzzy" (Correll), his serving in this capacity will ensure continuity and a smooth transition."

The Herndon, Va. native has been the assistant executive director of the Patriot Club for the past three years. He has worked with many events with the Patriot Club, including the annual golf tournaments, the Aimee Willard Run and most recently the Final Four Celebration dinner.

He and Correll have worked together on creating new initiatives that were launched this past year. The Green Coat Society was created and rolled out in early May. A new theme was developed called `Partners for Champions'. As donors to the Patriot Club, individuals and businesses partner with George Mason to help create Champions. And not just Champions on the playing arena, but Champions in the classroom and even for life.

Prior to joining the Patriots, he worked at the Single A minor league baseball Potomac Nationals (Cannons) for almost seven years, including his last three as the vice president and general manager. He completed his Bachelor's of Science degree in sports management at Virginia Tech University in 1995.