USCAA Breaks Barriers: First National Collegiate Athletic Governing Body with Two Women Holding the Top Two Leadership Positions

PITTSBURGH, PA – For the first time, the roles of both CEO and the President of the Board of Directors of a national collegiate athletic governing body are held by women. The United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National Office is headed by Ms. BJ Bertges who is the first female in Association history to sit at the helm. With 13 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics administration and coaching, she has recently been promoted to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Association.  Prior to that, Bertges served as Chief Operating Officer since 2021 and previously held the role of Director of Championships & Development beginning in 2019. Having already made history as the first female Director within the USCAA, Bertges is now joined by Dr. Jennifer Laney who assumed the role of Board of Directors President on July 1, 2025. 

With the organization continuing to grow and evolve, Bertges has consistently been known for her strategic planning, championship event management, and commitment to elevating the student-athlete experience. Dr. Laney carries over 17 years of experience within higher education and within the USCAA. Dr. Laney has made it her mission to excel in organizational effectiveness, leadership development, and building culture. Her previous involvement as Dean of Students at York County Community College and Director of Athletics and Student Life at the University of Maine at Augusta allows her to bring in a unique perspective for shaping the strategic direction of the USCAA.

The USCAA’s mission is to provide positive experiences for student-athletes across the nation, and this leadership turning point showcases an opportunity for diverse voices within the administration of sports. “I’ve been blessed with excellent mentors throughout my career who undoubtedly impacted my trajectory within the Association”, says Bertges. “While college athletics can be considered a male-dominated field, I have never felt that was a barrier in the USCAA, and I think that is one of the many things that makes this organization so special. To have the opportunity to lead alongside Dr. Laney and continue to pave the way for women in leadership, will be a truly remarkable experience”. 

Both Bertges and Dr. Laney were collegiate student-athletes, and served as coaches and administrators at member institutions. It is with this lens that these two women will continue to model a passion for student-athletes ensuring a student-athlete experience that drives success on and off the field. Together, these two well-rounded leaders represent a new era for the USCAA, defined by collaboration, inclusivity, and a commitment to student-athlete growth. 

Having both positions run by women is revolutionary in the world of collegiate sports administration. Dr. Laney states, “I recognize the significance of having two women hold the top two leadership positions in a National Athletic Association.  It is a powerful reminder of how far the world of collegiate athletics has come in advancing gender equity in athletic leadership.” This historic team between Bertges and Dr. Laney goes to show the USCAA’s dedication to empowering women and providing diverse perspectives in decision making roles that impact student-athletes nationwide. Their leadership sends an excellent message to young women across the country: there is a place for them at every level of athletics, from the playing field to the boardroom.