Awards Committee

The Awards Committee administers the association’s recognition and national awards program by researching and soliciting nominations from the membership and then recommending selections to the Board for approval.

The Awards Committee assists in gathering nominations from the membership for the Rising Executive Rising Star Award, Rising Executive Promising Professional Award, Rising Executive Commitment Award, Nike Executive of the Year Award by division, Nell Jackson Nike Executive of the Year Award, and the Nike Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Committee Responsibilities

  • Solicit nominations from membership and affiliate organizations in all award categories.
  • Be sensitive to the diversity of all award candidates.
  • Rank nominees via voting ballot for selection.

Qualifications for Committee Members

Committee members should:

  • Be actively engaged in Women Leaders in Sports programs;
  • Actively participate and be aware of association members and activities;
  • Understand the importance of this committee and its role in enhancing the spirit of the association.

Note: members of this committee are not eligible to win an award during years of committee service.

Time Commitment

Committee meetings are via conference call, as needed, and are typically one hour in length. Busy time is February through July.

2024 Committee Members

Board of Directors Liaisons: Renee Bostic, Director of Athletics, Wellness & Recreation, SUNY New Paltz

Etienne Thomas, Director of Athletics, Winston Salem State University

Member Chair: Libby Harmon, Attorney, Nevius Legal

Staff Liaison: Kyra Kendrick, Ed.D, Senior Director of Membership Engagement, Women Leaders in Sports

Committee Members: 

  • Marquita Armstead, Executive Athletic Director, University of Nebraska
  • Jane Beall McGill, NCAA Compliance Specialist, Church, Church, Hittle, + Antrim
  • Penny Cumbo, Assistant Director of Donor Relations, University of Louisiana
  • Cassie Hodgin, Associate Athletic Trainer, Washington St. University
  • Terri Howes, Senior Associate Athletic Director/COO, West Virginia University 
  • Maggie McKinley, Deputy Director of Athletics/SWA, University of Cincinnati
  • Alexandria Price, Director, Event Operation, Houston Astros
  • Katharine Rivera, Assistant Director of Athletics, Georgian Court University
  • Dawn Rogers, Deputy Athletic Director for Internal Affairs, Southern Methodist University
  • Chesney Sallee, Vice President of Membership Value and Governance, NAIA
  • Juli Schreiber, Assistant Athletics Director, University of Notre Dame
  • Alli Ware, Assistant Assistant Athletic Director for Development/Major Gifts, Mississippi St. University