Lee Roy Selmon’s joining the board of the First National Bankshares of Florida came as no surprise to the USF administration.

“(This) was very much in the works,” athletic spokesman and vice president of university advancement Michael Rierson said.

According to Rierson, USF President Judy Genshaft and the administration were well aware of Selmon’s possible position on the board and supported his actions.

“The president told me that she is very happy to share Lee Roy with the rest of the community,” Rierson said.

Rierson also made it clear that the position at First National was discussed long before Selmon requested a six-week sabbatical from his duties at USF as director of athletics. Despite the sabbatical, Selmon still holds the director position and it will be waiting for him when he returns if he so chooses.

The position on the board, Rierson said, will have no negative effects on USF athletics during or after Selmon’s sabbatical.

Rierson said that it is quite possible that relationships developed by Selmon through First National could benefit USF.

Selmon is no stranger to the banking world; he started his career with First Florida in 1978 as a bank officer. In 1989, after 11 years of service, Selmon was named vice president of First Florida, a position he held even after the bank was purchased by Barnett Banks.

After his banking stint, Selmon came to USF in 1993. His hire came only two weeks after the university announced the inception of a football program.

Before, during and after the start of the football program, Selmon was involved in sports information, marketing, promotions, corporate sponsorship and fundraising. In May of 2001 Selmon was appointed to the position of director of athletics.