NEW ORLEANS – After serving as the Sun Belt Conference’s Director of Media Relations for the last two years, John McElwain has been elevated to the role of Associate Commissioner for Communications effective June 1.

“We are delighted that we were able to recognize the contributions John has made to our media relations efforts over the past years and we are excited about the future as we expand his responsibilities,” said Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Wright Waters.

McElwain, who has been with the league office since January 2005 in two different positions, has led all publication efforts for the Sun Belt since his arrival.  He has also served as the day-to-day publicity contact for football, soccer, women’s basketball, tennis, track and field, swimming and diving, baseball, softball, and volleyball in his four seasons with the conference.  Additionally, he has led publicity efforts at numerous conference championships and events.

“I am very appreciative of the opportunity that Commissioner Waters has given me,” said McElwain.  “I have enjoyed my nearly four years at the Sun Belt to this point and I feel that the outlook is very bright for our league.”

In 2007, McElwain helped overhaul the Sun Belt Conference’s website, www.sunbeltsports.org, to allow for an updated layout and design for the site.

McElwain is a 2004 graduate of Indiana University, receiving his degree in Kinesiology. Prior to joining the Sun Belt, McElwain was an intern in the IU athletic media relations office and also spent a summer working in the University of New Orleans office.

McElwain, a New Orleans native, currently resides in the Broadmoor neighborhood of New Orleans with his fiancée Meaghan Gauley.