USCAA Standing 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

Meeting Cadence: annually at USCAA Convention, as needed

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

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.

Meeting Cadence: standing weekly meeting, as needed.

Committee members withheld to protect confidentiality. Please contact the National Office for more information. 

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing and ensuring that the budget for the USCAA is fiscally adequate to meet the needs of the USCAA National Office and its members.  The Finance Committee will review and make determinations on the upcoming budget cycle before being reviewed and approved by the USCAA Board of Directors for its annual meeting in the fall.  Each month, the finance committee will assist the USCAA Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors President to review financial oversite of the operations budget, individual tournament/event budgets, and reserve budgets to determine fiscal responsibility of the Association.  The committee will, when necessary, make recommendations for necessary changes to present fiscal reports to the USCAA Board of Directors.

Chair: Matthew Richards, Southern Maine Community College

Meeting Cadence: budget reviewed monthly, championship financial reports reviewed seasonally, as needed. 

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

Meeting Cadence: quarterly, as needed. 

Paul Hogan, NHTI (former AD)

Klint Pleasant, Rochester College (former member)

Matthew Simms, USCAA (former CEO)

Keisha Paxton, Apprentice School (former AD)

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

Meeting Cadence: bi-weekly September - January, as needed leading up to Convention.

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

Meeting Cadence: three times annually, as needed. 

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

Meeting Cadence: annually at USCAA Convention, as needed.

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