USCAA Committees

CHAMPIONSHIPS COMMITTEE

The Championship Subcommittee is charged with reviewing, evaluating, and recommending policies and procedures that ensure the fair, consistent, and successful administration of all USCAA championship events. The subcommittee will collaborate with member institutions, sport committees, and the national office to enhance the student-athlete experience, promote competitive excellence, and uphold the mission and values of the USCAA. Responsibilities include assessing championship formats, site selection, and operational best practices, while continually seeking opportunities to improve efficiency, equity, and visibility of USCAA championships.

Chair: Andy Kirschner, Penn State Beaver

Dave Gonyea, Central Maine Community College

Chris Hart, University of Maine Augusta

Steve Smith, Bay Path University

Zack Luzzi, Paul Smith's College

John Snyder, Bryant & Stratton Buffalo

CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS REVIEW COMMITTEE

Currently under development

Chair: Ethan Wells, Southern Maine Community College

James Heath, USCAA

Annie Matarazzo, NHTI

Brandon Padgett, Penn State Shenango

Matthew Layton, Word of Life Bible Institute

Randy McClure, Shaw University

ELIGIBILITY & COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE

The Compliance and Eligibility Subcommittee is charged with the on-going oversight, review, and evaluation of membership adherence to the USCAA by-laws and constitution.  The Subcommittee also will be tasked with initial inquiries of rule violations, investigations, and assisting with waiver appeals to the USCAA national office.  The subcommittee will collaborate with the USCAA Board of Directors, member institutions, sport committees, national sport governing bodies, and the national office staff to make recommendations of any enhancements to the USCAA bylaws in keeping up with industry trends within higher education while continually seeking opportunities to improve efficiency, equity, and visibility of USCAA.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Currently under development

Chair: Matthew Richards, Southern Maine Community College

Patrick Quest, Christendom College

LEGACY ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Legacy Advisory Council serves as a strategic advisory council to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA), composed of distinguished current and former leaders whose longstanding service and deep institutional knowledge provide invaluable perspective. This council convenes quarterly to examine and provide guidance on a designated strategic topic of importance to the Association’s future. Drawing on their historical insight and leadership experience, members offer non-binding recommendations intended to support continuity, innovation, and informed decision-making. The Council operates in a consultative capacity, reinforcing the Association’s commitment to honoring its legacy while proactively addressing emerging challenges and opportunities.

Chair: Dave Gonyea, Central Maine Community College

Paul Hogan, NHTI (former AD)

Klint Pleasant, Rochester College (former member)

Matthew Simms, USCAA (former CEO)

Keisha Paxton, Apprentice School (former AD)

MISSION & VISION REVIEW COMMITTEE

The USCAA Mission & Vision committee has been established to review, amend, and modernize the existing Mission & Vision statement of the Association to ensure alignment with the membership’s needs in the ever-changing landscape of college athletics.

Chair: Zack Luzzi, Paul Smith's College

Jared Sullenberger, USCAA

Steve Smith, Bay Path University

Dan Ramin, SUNY ESF

NATIONAL CONVENTION PLANNING COMMITTEE

The USCAA Convention Planning Committee is established to assist the National Office in planning, coordinating, and executing the annual USCAA Convention. The committee ensures the convention reflects the mission and values of the USCAA by determining appropriate professional development topics, identifying speakers, and assisting with the planning and implementation of all Convention Social events.

Chair: Brian Sullivan, UC Clermont

Jenna Petrucci, USCAA

Ryan Ehrie, PSUAC

PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL

The USCAA Presidents Council exists to bring together institutional leaders to explore and advance the role of intercollegiate athletics as a transformative force in higher education. Serving as both a collaborative body and a forward-thinking think tank, the Council is committed to reimagining how athletics can strengthen the educational mission of smaller colleges and universities. Through shared vision, dialogue, and strategic action, the Council will identify challenges, develop solutions, and create opportunities that enhance the student experience and shape the future of collegiate athletics within the USCAA.

Chair: BJ Bertges, USCAA

RATINGS & SELECTIONS COMMITTEE

The USCAA Ratings & Selections Committee is charged with reviewing legislation proposed throughout the academic year, including items presented during USCAA Town Halls at the Annual Convention, and providing informed recommendations regarding the administration and enhancement of USCAA National Championship events and team qualification criteria. The committee may be convened as needed throughout the year in response to emerging situations, with advance notice provided for any meetings. Through its work, the committee supports the integrity, fairness, and overall quality of USCAA championship operations.

Chair: Damone Brown, Bryant & Stratton Buffalo

Jack Schenzel, Penn State Mont Alto

Sara Rinkunas, Penn State Scranton

Walker McCrary, Apprentice School

Kaden Shoaf, Salem University

George LaFrance, Navajo Technical University

James Heath, USCAA

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE

Currently under development

Chair: Andy Kirschner, Penn State Beaver & Patrick Quest, Christendom College

Shealynn Miller, United States Sports University

Ryan Raposo, Florida National University
Ethan Wells, Southern Maine Community  College
Kasey Hicks, Central Penn College

USCAA FOUNDATION* 

Currently under development

Chair: Brian Sullivan, UC Clermont  & Damone Brown, Bryant & Stratton Buffalo