Fairfax, Va. -- George Mason Deputy Athletic Director Kevin McNamee has announced his retirement after 27 years as a senior leader in the Mason athletic department and close to 50 years overall in NCAA Division I athletics. 
 
"My career at Mason fulfilled my wish to serve at a university that is a multi-cultural melting pot and our student-athletes are the face of our future," said McNamee. "I owe tremendous gratitude to those colleagues I served with campus wide. Finally, my total appreciation to our Athletic Department team for making my career so rewarding. Pax et Bonum to all."
 
"Kevin has been an integral part of Mason Athletics for the better part of 27 years," said Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Brad Edwards. "During that time, he has spent many days, nights and weekends on our athletic playing fields encouraging student-athletes and assisting coaches and staff. Our athletic department is appreciative of his longstanding commitment and service to Mason Athletics, as well as, for his knowledge of the ever-changing landscape in collegiate athletics. We wish Kevin and Mary continued happiness and the very best in his retirement."  
 
As Deputy Athletic Director for Intercollegiate Sports, McNamee's career involved all competitive aspects of NCAA Division I Intercollegiate sport programming and their role in higher education. His experience started as an educator and a head coach at Atlantic 10 member St. Bonaventure University in 1978.
 
Joining the Patriots in January 1995, McNamee's responsibilities included oversight of the internal operations of the Athletic Department. He played a critical part in the supervision of intercollegiate sport programs, including the development, implementation and enforcement of department policies and procedures.
 
McNamee served as a departmental liaison over his career to a number of areas: EagleBank Arena, University Life, Legal Affairs, Office of Student Conduct and the George Mason Police Department
 
At the NCAA level, he served on several committees, including the NCAA Cabinet on Amateurism, a committee formed under the new NCAA restructuring, with the 3-year term ending in 2011. He had a seat on the NCAA Swimming Sport Committee from 1995-2001 and served as chair from 1998-2001. McNamee served on the CAA Competition Committee and Men's Basketball Committee. Additionally, he spent five years, 2001-2006, as the Chair of the CAA Championships Committee. 
 
A former swimming student-athlete and head coach at St. Bonaventure, he was on the USA Swimming Board of Directors and a member of the USA Swimming International Relations Committee from 1998-2001. 
 
During his tenure, the Patriots would earn an NCAA Championship in 1996 with men's indoor track and field and a memorable trip to the 2006 NCAA Final Four with men's basketball. McNamee served as sport supervisor for both sports. He was instrumental in program growth at Mason, adding both women's rowing (1997-98) and men's and women's swimming and diving (1999-2000).
 
McNamee previously served as Senior Associate Athletic Director at St. Bonaventure University (1992-95). He was Assistant Athletic Director for Non-Revenue Sports Programming the previous four years for the Bonnies. He was also the head swimming coach at St. Bonaventure (1978-92) and was inducted into the athletic Hall of Fame for his coaching accomplishments in 2002.
 
He earned a B.S. degree in 1976 from St. Bonaventure, where he was a four-year swimming letter-winner, and Cum Laude graduate. He graduated with honors from Indiana University, Bloomington with a Master's in Coaching and Human Performance in 1978.
 
Kevin and his wife, Mary, reside in Dumfries, Va. The couple has three daughters and eight grandchildren.
 
McNamee will officially step aside on June 30.