University of Hawai'i-Manoa chancellor Denise Konan was named chairwoman of the Western Athletic Conference Board of Directors and commissioner Karl Benson's contract was extended at the conference's annual meetings that concluded Tuesday at Dana Point, Calif.

Konan is the first woman in the conference's 45-year history to head the nine-person board made up of presidents and chancellors of the member schools.

With the two-year extension that will take him to June 30, 2009, Benson will become the longest-serving commissioner in the conference's history. Benson, who took over in 1994, will surpass his predecessor, Joe Kearney, who served from 1980 to 1994. Benson is estimated to earn $265,000 annually.

"The board's action reflects the continuing confidence which the board has in his leadership and our desire that he continue his strong leadership," John Welty, Fresno State president and the outgoing chairman, said in an e-mail.

Konan said, "the board expressed a lot of confidence in his leadership and we were especially pleased at the strategic plan we have all committed to." The plan will be discussed at the WAC Football Preview next month.

Benson said Konan, "has definitely earned the respect of her WAC colleagues and I look forward to working with Chancellor Konan and Hawai'i, as the senior member, and the leadership it has provided in the past."

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com.