NFHCA names Cate Clark as new executive director

BROCKPORT, N.Y. — The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is excited to welcome its newest executive director, Cate Clark.

“It is with excitement that we welcome Cate Clark as our next executive director in what promises to be a dynamic new chapter for the association,” remarked NFHCA president, Anne Parmenter. “Cate brings a wide-array of professional skills — accumulated through a long career in academic leadership — and an infectious energy to the position. The Board of Directors and staff are all looking forward to working in partnership with her.”

“I am beyond grateful and excited about the opportunity to serve the members and coaches of this organization,” said Clark. “The NFHCA provides a great platform to grow the sport of field hockey, build community among coaches at all levels, celebrate performance and achievement, and advocate for the healthy growth of this great game.”

“I want to personally thank the Executive Director Search Committee for their work this past year,” said interim executive director, Heather Lewis. “I believe our collective efforts identified a tremendous leader for our association. I am confident Cate will advance our association with progressive thinking and intentional efforts on behalf of the entire membership — I’m excited for the future of the NFHCA!”

Clark comes to the NFHCA from Regis University where she served as the senior director and associate dean of admissions. She was responsible for developing and executing strategic enrollment plans while collaborating with campus leaders and strategic partners. Over the last seven years, Clark also served as a consultant for Leaderboard Training, LLC — a leadership training company — where she developed and delivered training for leadership, sales, and student recruitment effectiveness.

Clark has spent over 20 years in higher education administration focusing primarily on recruitment and enrollment. She was a multi-year nominee for Regis University’s President’s Service Award and was the “Outstanding Director of the Year” while at Redstone College (now Spartan College).

Clark acquired a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Denver and a strategic digital marketing certificate from Yale University. She received her bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University, where she also played field hockey.

From 1995-1997 Clark was the head field hockey coach at the University of Louisville where she also directed camps and was a United States Field Hockey Association Olympic Development Coach. While a student-athlete at CMU, Clark was recognized for her academic achievement as a recipient of the Commissioner’s Award and the Central Michigan Jane McNamara Scholar-Athlete Award. She played under longtime Chips coach, Cristy Freese.

Clark will take over from current interim executive director, Heather Lewis, on June 14.

“None of this would have been possible without the steadfast guidance and leadership of Heather Lewis,” added Parmenter. “Heather has positioned us for continued growth and success — she is leaving the NFHCA in a great position for Cate to assume her new role with an ease of transition and stability. It is with so much gratitude that we all wish Heather all the best as we would never have survived the past 14 months without her at the helm.”