Cindy Masner was named as Cal State Long Beach’s newest interim athletics director, President Jane Close Conoley announced today.

Masner started operating under her post today, just over a week after it was announced that previous athletics director Vic Cegles would be stepping down to resume a new position as deputy athletic director at the University of Connecticut.

“Cindy Masner is a highly skilled and experienced administrator who is well respected within the athletics community,” said Conoley in a statement. “During her tenure at Long Beach she has demonstrated a deep devotion to the success of our student-athletes. I am confident that the athletics department will continue to excel during this time of transition.”

Masner has worked for Long Beach State athletics for over 30 years, according to a release issued by the university. She served as the last interim athletic director in 2005 to 2006, when the university began a national search that resulted in the hiring of Cegles.

“As Athletic Director over the past 10 years, Vic has done a tremendous job moving our department forward,” said Masner in a statement. “I am excited for the opportunity President Conoley has given me as the interim Athletic Director, to continue building a winning athletics program which is centered around the welfare as well as academic and athletic success of our student-athletes. Having such dedicated, hardworking coaches and staff in the department will help continue the tradition of excellence in our journey forward.”

Masner oversees international operations of the Long Beach State Athletic Department and supervises 10 programs at the university, including sports medicine, compliance and strength and conditioning the release stated.

She also serves as the university’s primary officer for gender equity, in addition to holding spots on various NCAA selection, oversight and rules committees.

Meanwhile, the school has begun a nationwide search for Cegles’ replacement.

“I thank Vic for his service to our campus and wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Close Conoley in a statement.He hired and retained excellent coaches and he displayed ceaseless caring toward student athletes who excelled both in their fields of play and in their academic pursuits.”

Cegles served for nine years as the university’s athletic director and gained awards for his fundraising talent.

“I have just completed a decade at The Beach and I am proud of all that we have accomplished on the field and in the classroom. I truly believe we have created a culture that embodies family, excellence and a commitment to student athlete success,” said Cegles in a statement. “It certainly has been a terrific run. With that said, I have come to a decision that it is time to pursue other challenges and athletic opportunities and allow new leadership to advance the 49er teams.

Above, left: Photo courtesy of Long Beach State.