UH’s new AD will earn more than predecessors

New University of Hawaii athletic director Ben Jay will earn more than his predecessors, with the potential of earning thousands more in bonuses.

Jay, whose appointment still must be approved by university system President M.R.C. Greenwood, will earn $293,000 a year.

Herman Frazier received an annual salary of $250,000 as UH athletic director, and Jim Donovan received $240,000. Donovan’s salary was later reduced to $228,000 because of pay cuts.

Jay, who has been Ohio State’s senior associate athletic director for finance and operations since 2006, was announced as UH’s new AD last Friday.

He succeeds Donovan, who was removed in the aftermath of a botched Stevie Wonder concert last summer. On Thursday, Donovan was named athletic director at Cal State Fullerton.

A university spokeswoman says Greenwood’s decision will follow the next Board of Regents meeting, scheduled for Jan. 24. According to a statement released by the university, Greenwood is "very pleased" with Jay’s selection.

Jay’s contract calls for a three-year deal, with an option for a two-year extension based on performance. Jay could also earn bonuses, such as one month’s salary if the football team wins the Mountain West Conference, $12,500 if the men’s basketball team appears in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, and $15,000 each year if the athletics program has a year-end balanced budget.