Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker Named New NCAA President

In the wake of Mark Emmert’s retirement, a new president has been appointed by the NCAA. Governor Charlie Baker of Massachusetts has been selected to assume the position, commencing his role as the NCAA President in March 2023.

Baker, a former Harvard basketball player and Division I college athlete, currently serves as a two-term Governor of Massachusetts. With approval ratings surpassing 75%, he holds the distinction of being the highest-rated governor in the United States.

His involvement in the initiation of sports betting in Massachusetts was crucial, and it reached its pinnacle when he officially signed HB 5164 on Aug. 10, 2022, effectively transforming the sports betting bill into a law.

Baker, the previous Chief Executive Officer of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and a non-profit health benefits provider, successfully guided the organization from the brink of insolvency to a remarkable streak of 24 consecutive quarters of profitability.

NCAA’s Hiring Process for New President

A search committee was formed by the NCAA, comprising university presidents from various competition levels, a conference commissioner, a former student-athlete, and an independent member.

TurnkeyZRG, the nation’s premier search firm, was also engaged by the NCAA to fulfill their requirements. Notably, this firm has successfully facilitated the replacement of commissioners in esteemed conferences such as the Big 12, ACC, and Pac-12.

The search committee for the NCAA comprised of:

• Jere Morehead, the President of the University of Georgia.
• Minot State University’s president is Steven Shirley.
• Isaiah Swann, a previous student-athlete in baseball, attended the University of Texas at Dallas.
• Linda Livingstone serves as the president of Baylor University.
• Springfield College’s president is Mary-Beth Cooper.
• Commissioner of the Ohio Valley Conference is Beth DeBauche.
• Grant Hill is a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks and also serves as an independent member.

Before considering any individual candidates, the committee dedicated several months towards formulating a comprehensive profile for their preferred candidate. This profile was crafted with the valuable input of over 300 NCAA stakeholders.

In addition, make sure to check out: WynnBET becomes the first recipient of a mobile sports betting license in Massachusetts.

NCAA Search Committee Quotes on Charlie Baker

Linda Livingstone, the Chair of the Search Committee and President of Baylor University:

We are thrilled to have Governor Charlie Baker join the NCAA and are eagerly anticipating his contribution to our organization. Governor Baker has demonstrated an impressive talent for bringing people together and finding common ground, successfully tackling intricate issues with creative and efficient approaches. Being a former student-athlete himself, married to a former college gymnast, and a father to two former college football players, Governor Baker has a strong dedication to our student-athletes and improving their college journey. We believe that his expertise and unique viewpoint will be extremely valuable as we collaborate with policymakers to establish a sustainable framework for the future of college athletics.

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Isaiah Swan, previously a representative of student-athletes in baseball.

In my role as a student-athlete representative on the search committee, I prioritized discussing the various challenges faced by student-athletes today with Governor Baker. Our conversations revealed not only his comprehensive understanding of the key issues in college sports but, more significantly, his ability to empathize, remain open-minded, and seek a deeper comprehension of student-athletes’ viewpoints. The Baker family has a profound connection to collegiate athletics, making him relatable to us. He shares our mindset as student-athletes and will guide us forward, considering our perspectives.

The NCAA Baker Takeover

Baker’s assumption of control over the NCAA comes at a truly fascinating moment, as the organization is currently experiencing numerous transformations.

A new constitution was established by the NCAA in 2022, granting increased autonomy to the three divisions and all conferences, empowering them with greater self-governance.

“The appointment,” Baker said, “is something I have a lot to say about.”

“I am deeply privileged to assume the role of the next president of the NCAA, an esteemed organization that has a profound impact on numerous families and communities throughout our nation on a daily basis. The NCAA is currently confronted with intricate and significant obstacles, yet I am thrilled to embark on this journey, as the remarkable opportunities that college athletics offer to countless students far outweigh the challenges. I am enthusiastically committed to ensuring that the thrilling competitions we all passionately support continue to thrive for future generations, while also collaborating with student-athletes and NCAA members to modernize college sports in order to align with the demands of today’s world, while preserving its fundamental value.”

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