"Having worked with Bill Stokes for many years, I know that he is an excellent addition to the SEC," Slive said. "He brings to the league a great deal of experience as both an official and coordinator. He is held in high regard among his colleagues and coaches around the country. Under his direction, women's basketball officiating in the SEC will continue to be among the finest in the nation."

Stokes has officiated in many of the nation's elite conferences, including the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC. He has also served as Coordinator for the ACC, Great Midwest, Metro, Big South and Conference USA. He most recently officiated in the WNBA.

During his college tenure, he worked the NCAA Division I Tournament 10 consecutive years beginning in 1985, advancing to the regional round each year. He was selected to work the Final Four five times, twice working the championship game. He is also the recipient of the 1990 Naismith Award honoring the women's college official of the year.

"I am extremely excited to be joining the Southeastern Conference on two fronts," Stokes said. "First, to join what I believe is the top women's basketball conference in the country. I know the coaches and I know the officials and they are both committed to excellence on the court. Secondly, is the opportunity to work again with Commissioner Mike Slive and Debbie Corum. I have a great deal of respect for them."

The Florence, S.C. native earned a bachelor's degree in education from The Citadel in South Carolina. He retired from the United States Army in December, 1994 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He currently resides in Conyers, Georgia.