NCAA Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

NCAA has 10 executives leading key functions including officiating, operations, and student-athlete representation.

Driven by academic excellence and athletic competition, NCAA provides a vital pathway for student-athletes, fostering their development both in higher education and beyond, shaping their futures through structured athletic programs and academic support.

Leadership Roles at NCAA

  • President, State (Sacramento) - Emma Goldsmith
  • President - Abigail Lee
  • SAAC Co-President and Ivy SAAC Representative - Presley Liberty
  • President - Luke Dry
  • President - McKenzie Didio
  • Co President - Simon Lamar
  • President - Carmen Sagues
  • President - Ethan deBorja
  • Chief of Staff - Cari Klecka
  • Umpire In Chief - Jerry Lambright
  • Emma Goldsmith - President, State (Sacramento)

    Emma Goldsmith, the President, State (Sacramento) at NCAA, leads regional engagement and program development within the Sacramento area. Goldsmith focuses on strengthening the NCAA's presence and impact by fostering relationships with local educational institutions and athletic organizations. This leadership position involves advocating for student-athletes and promoting the benefits of collegiate sports participation. By overseeing state-specific initiatives, Emma Goldsmith ensures that regional needs are met and that opportunities for student-athletes are maximized. The President, State (Sacramento)'s responsibilities include driving local partnerships that support academic goals and athletic competition, aligning with the broader NCAA mission. Goldsmith's efforts contribute to the organization's goal of providing a clear pathway to higher education and beyond for aspiring athletes in the region.

    Abigail Lee - President

    Abigail Lee, the President at NCAA, directs overarching organizational strategy and governance. Lee is responsible for upholding the NCAA's commitment to student-athletes, ensuring their academic success and athletic development are prioritized. This executive position involves guiding the organization's direction, fostering a culture of integrity, and promoting fair competition. By setting strategic objectives, Abigail Lee ensures that the NCAA continues to provide a robust pathway to higher education and beyond for student-athletes. Lee's leadership impacts policy decisions, institutional relationships, and the overall advancement of collegiate athletics. The President's role is crucial in maintaining the balance between academic rigor and athletic achievement, supporting the holistic growth of student-athletes across member institutions.

    Presley Liberty - SAAC Co-President and Ivy SAAC Representative

    Presley Liberty, the SAAC Co-President and Ivy SAAC Representative at NCAA, champions the voice and interests of student-athletes. Liberty actively participates in discussions and decision-making processes that affect collegiate athletics, ensuring student-athlete perspectives are central. This role involves collaborating with fellow student-athletes and leadership to address challenges and opportunities within the NCAA framework. By representing student-athletes from the Ivy League and co-leading the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Presley Liberty advocates for their academic goals and athletic experiences. Liberty's contributions are vital for maintaining a student-centered approach within the NCAA, reinforcing the organization's commitment to providing a pathway to higher education and beyond. The SAAC Co-President's influence helps shape policies that support the well-being and development of student-athletes.

    Luke Dry - President

    Luke Dry, the President at NCAA, spearheads strategic planning and operational execution for key organizational functions. Dry focuses on enhancing the student-athlete experience, ensuring that academic pursuits and athletic competitions are seamlessly integrated. This leadership role involves driving initiatives that support the NCAA's mission of providing a pathway to higher education and beyond. By overseeing critical departments, Luke Dry ensures efficient resource management and effective program delivery. Dry's strategic vision contributes to the organization's ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of collegiate sports. The President's responsibilities include fostering collaboration among member institutions and promoting the values of integrity, fairness, and academic excellence. Dry's leadership is instrumental in advancing the NCAA's objectives for student-athlete development and success.

    McKenzie Didio - President

    McKenzie Didio, the President at NCAA, leads critical initiatives focused on student-athlete welfare and academic support. Didio is dedicated to ensuring that collegiate sports serve as a positive force in the lives of student-athletes, facilitating their journey through higher education and into future careers. This executive position involves developing and implementing programs that promote academic achievement alongside athletic participation. By championing student-athlete success, McKenzie Didio reinforces the NCAA's core mission. Didio's leadership influences policies and strategies aimed at creating a balanced and supportive environment for athletes. The President's role is essential in upholding the organization's commitment to providing a clear and beneficial pathway for student-athletes, fostering both personal growth and competitive excellence.

    Simon Lamar - Co President

    Simon Lamar, the Co President at NCAA, shares responsibility for guiding the organization's strategic direction and operational oversight. Lamar is committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience, ensuring that academic goals and athletic endeavors are mutually supportive. This leadership role involves collaborating on initiatives that strengthen the NCAA's mission of providing a pathway to higher education and beyond. By working alongside other leaders, Simon Lamar contributes to the development of policies that promote fairness, integrity, and student success. Lamar's focus is on fostering an environment where student-athletes can thrive both academically and athletically. The Co President's contributions are vital for advancing the NCAA's objectives and ensuring a positive impact on the lives of collegiate athletes.

    Carmen Sagues - President

    Carmen Sagues, the President at NCAA, directs key strategic operations and fosters institutional partnerships. Sagues is dedicated to advancing the NCAA's mission of supporting student-athletes in their pursuit of academic excellence and athletic achievement. This leadership role involves overseeing programs that ensure a balanced pathway to higher education and beyond for collegiate athletes. By driving organizational initiatives, Carmen Sagues enhances the effectiveness of NCAA services and support systems. Sagues's focus is on maintaining the integrity of collegiate sports and promoting the holistic development of student-athletes. The President's responsibilities include collaborating with member institutions to uphold high standards in both academics and athletics, ensuring a positive and impactful experience for all involved.

    Ethan deBorja - President

    Ethan deBorja, the President at NCAA, leads critical strategic planning and operational management for the organization. DeBorja is committed to ensuring that student-athletes have a clear and supportive pathway to higher education and future success. This executive role involves overseeing initiatives that balance academic rigor with athletic competition, fostering holistic development. By driving organizational objectives, Ethan deBorja enhances the NCAA's capacity to serve its member institutions and student-athletes effectively. DeBorja's leadership focuses on upholding the values of integrity, fairness, and academic achievement within collegiate sports. The President's contributions are essential for advancing the NCAA's mission and ensuring a positive impact on the lives of student-athletes across the nation.

    Cari Klecka - Chief of Staff

    Cari Klecka, the Chief of Staff at NCAA, manages strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across the organization. Klecka coordinates efforts between departments, ensuring alignment with the NCAA's core mission of supporting student-athletes' academic and athletic journeys. This role involves facilitating communication with key stakeholders and driving the execution of organizational priorities. By optimizing internal processes and resource allocation, Cari Klecka enhances the NCAA's capacity to serve its member institutions and student-athletes. The Chief of Staff's influence extends to advising leadership on policy development and organizational effectiveness, directly impacting the pathway to higher education and beyond for student-athletes. Klecka's strategic guidance is essential for navigating the complexities of collegiate athletics and maintaining the organization's commitment to fair competition and academic integrity.

    Jerry Lambright - Umpire In Chief

    Jerry Lambright, the Umpire In Chief at NCAA, directs the integrity and consistency of officiating across all NCAA sports. This leadership role ensures adherence to established rules and standards, maintaining fair competition for student-athletes. Lambright's oversight extends to training programs and evaluation metrics for umpires and referees nationwide. By standardizing officiating protocols, Jerry Lambright supports the NCAA's mission of providing a structured athletic environment that complements academic pursuits. This position is critical for upholding the competitive balance and the spirit of sportsmanship central to the NCAA's values. The Umpire In Chief's responsibilities include developing strategies to enhance umpire performance and address evolving sport dynamics, ensuring a high level of professionalism on the field and court.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Membership Organizations

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding NCAA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads NCAA?
    NCAA is led by Emma Goldsmith (President, State (Sacramento)), along with executives such as Abigail Lee (President) and Presley Liberty (SAAC Co-President and Ivy SAAC Representative).
    Who is part of NCAA’s executive team?
    The executive team of NCAA includes leaders such as Emma Goldsmith (President, State (Sacramento)), Abigail Lee (President), Presley Liberty (SAAC Co-President and Ivy SAAC Representative) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does NCAA have?
    NCAA has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in NCAA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of NCAA includes roles such as President, State (Sacramento), President, SAAC Co-President and Ivy SAAC Representative, President, President.