USYS State Leadership

Josh started with CJSA in August of 2016. He plays a major role in getting youth players, coaches, administrators, and volunteers to enjoy the game year after year in hopes that they stay involved for life. Prior to becoming an Executive Director, his experiences include: youth coach, Nike Team Sales, Soccer Specialty Sales, Men's College Soccer Coach at UCONN, Southern Connecticut State University and University of New Haven. He has also been a Director of Coaching and a soccer referee. 

Josh has 3 daughters (Kailey 14, Maggie 12, and Emma 9), as well as a bearded dragon named Puff, and a chameleon named Pascala. He volunteer coaches for two of my daughter's teams.

Some fun facts about Josh: He is a twin, he has participated in the USYS Regional Championships five times as a referee, he was named the CJSA Youth Referee of the Year and Youth Coach of the Year. 

Laura started with Delaware in April 2016. As DE is a small state, she has to wear many hats. She oversees 2 employees and is responsible for the website and social media sites, performs day to day operations including paying invoices, background checks, administrator for ODP, reviews and updates policies, oversees any tournaments they host  and anything else that comes across her desk. Before becoming the Executive Director, she was the administrative assistant at Kirkwood Soccer Club for 15 years.

Outside of work, Laura loves to spend time with her grandkids and family, take cruises, work on crafts and collect Christmas ornaments and snowmen.

Fun facts about DYSA is that until 2016, it was an all volunteer organization. Prior to 2016, Laura was performing the same tasks as now, but as a volunteer for over 10 years! 

Laura started at ENYYSA in February 2015. As Operations Director, she manages the day to day operations of the State's office staff, programs, policies and procedures, under the direction of the ENY Board President and its members. Aside from herself, the office staff consists of: 3 Full-time employees (Program Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, and DOCI), 3 Part-time employees (ODP Director, ODP Administrator, Bookkeeper, 2 Independent Contractors (Accountant and Social Media/Website Administrator)

Prior to becoming the Operations Director, for 25 years, she served as Executive Director for the National Business & Disability Council (NBDC) – An organization that educates employers on the employment of people with disabilities by providing disability etiquette training and serving as an information center. The NBDC was part of the following parent company: Abilities, Inc - An organization that prepares people with disabilities for the workforce through job training and employment placement services. She also worked at the Henry Viscardi School - A private, New York State supported 4201 school for children with severe physical disabilities.

Outside of the office, she doesn't have any one hobby and dabbles in whatever interests her at the time. She has 3 grown children, 2 boys and a girl. Her oldest, Danny, and youngest, Megan, live on Long Island, are each married, and each have a little girl under 3 years old. Megan is expecting her second in April 2022. Her middle son, Jimmy, lives in Colorado with his girlfriend, 2 dogs and a cat. She having the best time with her granddaughters. Life is good!!

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Greg started at Maryland in March 2012. As the Executive Director, he works in the state office alongside amazing people who are laser-focused on their mission of growing and improving the game of soccer within their jurisdiction. He is fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity to serve their member clubs and leagues every day while also continuously learning from them and his colleagues.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, Greg played soccer scholastically, collegiately, and a little semi-professionally, in addition to serving as a soccer coach and a soccer administrator for many years. He also found the time to earn degrees in Sport Management, Sport Leadership, and Education. Outside of the office, he likes to challenge himself every day. His most favorite activity is spending time at home with his amazing wife and two young children.

Greg feels that everyone involved is a steward of the game. We must all do our part and work together to grow and improve the game to make soccer the preeminent sport in the United States.

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Anne started at New Hampshire in November 2015. As the Executive Director,  she is usually seen as the point person for NHSA. While she is the go-to for most things, she has colleagues that work on ODP, has a DOC and an operations manager for their state league. She has learned a lot on the job and everyday is an adventure!

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, she was a Program Manager and Business Analyst for an online grocery shopping service. Unfortunately, she was laid off and went into the teaching world and became a preschool teacher while her children were in school.

Outside of the office, Anne has been married for 24 years to her husband, Andy. She has three adults children (4, if you included her husband). Andrew is 22 and is in school for engineering, as well as, working fulltime for Raytheon. He is also soccer coach and also enjoys playing in the NPSL. Her second oldest, Joshua, just turned 21. He is working towards being an electrician, as well as, coaching and playing NPSL. Her youngest, Angelina, is 19 and going to school to be a teacher, currently working fulltime as a preschool teacher. She enjoys anything her kids are involved in and watching them experience life in general. She loves the beach and mountains and taking trips to reset. Anne loves to learn and listen to others experiences. She tends to be quiet and take time to process things before she responds.

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Alex started at NY West in May 2017. As Executive Director, he oversees club relations, new club membership, insurance, grant programs, sponsors, risk management and communications.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, he was the Head Men's Club Soccer Coach Lexington Christian Academy, University of Mass Lowell and mass Premier Soccer. He was also a Director of Coaching and Service Point Solutions SA. 

Outside of the office, to relax, he watches cricket. Alex and his partner, Jane, have been together for of over 25 years. She was born in Zimbabwe and works as a data analyst in retail distribution. They have two children: Saul, who works for Lego and is halfway through a business degree at State University of NY. Emily graduates from high school this year and is finishing her Gliding Pilots license and hopes to go to Binghamton University to study genetics. They also have a pitbull named Gracie, a cat named Kevin, a rat named Ruby (Saul's mouse just died), two tanks of tropical fish and foster for the local dog shelter. They all live in the beautiful village of Victor, NY, in the Finger Lakes.

Tim started at PA West in December 2000. As the Executive Director, his job is oversee the operation of the state office and work with their various volunteers to meet the goals and objectives of the association.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, in his long and illustrious work career, he has milked cows (100 head per milking), buried people, cut thousands of acres of grass, hung around pro sports locker rooms looking for interviews, helped create the first double-digit rated FM radio station in Pgh., served in elected public office, handled public address duties for the Pgh Riverhounds of the USL, worked with Pgh's largest beer wholesaler, as well as, the number one beer marketer in the world. He has also managed personal appearances by various athletes and celebrities, called innumerable HS and college football and basketball on radio, plus a few Pitt Men's and Women's Soccer games on TV, and, last but not least, worked as a radio station mascot (complete with giant Chucks!).

Outside of the office, Tim and his wife live with their husky in Pittsburgh, PA. Their adult children live in Louisville and Sacramento. He enjoys hiking, sports, working on cars (sometimes), and learning new things. He can also be pulled into watching a classic old movies from time to time.

Favorite Movie - The Dark Knight (filmed in Pgh, so an obvious favorite).

Favorite Music - All types but lean to jazz (Weather Report, Billy Holiday, Marshall Gilkes).

Favorite Sports Venue - Indianapolis Speedway.

Favorite Hiking Trail - North Country Trail (McConnell's Mill St. Park section).

His secret power is picking perfect ears of sweet corn in the dark of night. He is a proud alum of "Wechachochapohka" University and can state with conviction, that yes, there is a Slippery Rock. For the record, there is also a specific rock that is located about 10 miles from the university.

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Meg started at Vermont in October 1998. Her role with Vermont Soccer Association began as a part-time registrar position and helped open the first state office. Within a few years, the position had grown to full-time administrator and a few more years later, full-time Executive Director. As Executive Director, she oversees day-to-day operations, the office staff of 1 full-time, 1 part-time, and 1 DOC.

Prior to joining Vermont, she worked for an architectural firm as an office manager. She then took time off to raise her kids before diving off the deep end and coaching her daughter's soccer team. Every Executive Director knows how the story goes after getting sucked into coaching 😂.

Outside of the office, Meg has been married to her husband for 42 years. They have two grown children, two granddaughters, five dogs, and two cats. In her spare time, she likes to hang out with the grandkids. She also works with a dog rescue group fostering puppies.

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Dave started at WVSA in August 1994. As Executive Director, he implements the programs directed by the WVSA BOD and President. He supports the part time and full-time staff and volunteers to develop programs for the members of WVSA. He serves various volunteer roles with USYS, USASA and US Soccer.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, he was a volunteer and officer for WVYSA and WVSA for 10 years. He worked for Rite Aid Corp for 20 years and served as a District Manager for the last 10 years.

Outside of the office, Dave has been married to Jane McNeil Laraba for 46 years. They have 2 sons: Steve is a HS Teacher and soccer coach, rafting guide and ski instructor. Forest (Spike) is a retail store manager, recreation soccer coach and WVSA Competitions Manager. He enjoys playing trumpet in his local church and in the local community.

Mary Jane started at Illinois in February 1992. She started the Illinois Youth Soccer office and was the only employee. She hired staff, created and oversaw the programs, worked to increase membership and include recreational and at-risk inner-city communities, published the quarterly newspaper, conducted the annual Soccer Expo & Awards Banquet, submitted grants, solicited sponsors, conducted marketing & communications, did accounting, and corporate compliance. Today, she oversees the programs, hire employees, liaise with the Board & her members, communicate with organizations, organize meetings and procedures, review and reconcile accounts, submit grants, conduct corporate business, prepares budgets, create educational & safety programs, support their members, promote diversity and inclusion, do whatever it takes to get the job done, and appreciates her very capable and dedicated staff.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, she was, very briefly, a high school biology teacher before forming her own business which was sold prior to starting the Illinois Youth Soccer office.

Outside of the office, Mary Jane likes to travel, and has a passion for Art, History and Science. She supports the Chicago Red Stars and Chicago Fire and is a devoted Chelsea fan. She has one son who played high level competitive soccer in the USYS system and Division 1 college soccer. He also officiated USYS games. Her nephew played competitive soccer and officiated Division I college games. She enjoys her three young grandchildren, two girls and a boy, and her young niece and nephew.

An interesting fact about Mary Jane is that she is an Ukrainian American who was born in France. She speaks Ukrainian fluently and learned German and French before English when her family immigrated to the U.S. She understands the immigrant experience, supports diversity and inclusion. The majority of her family lives in the Ukraine and she is very concerned about their safety.

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Joe started at Kansas in April 2019. As the Executive Director, Joe focuses on governance, club advocacy, member services, program establishment, design and development, fostering positive youth soccer culture, determined recruiting, managing people, sponsorship development and building community relationships.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, Joe has performed a plethora of roles: Youth Programs Technical Coordinator, Assistant Men's Soccer Coach and Head Men's Soccer Coach for multiple schools, Associate Camp Director for Central Illinois Soccer Academy, USYS Region II Staff Coach, Head Men's Soccer Coach for South Dakota School of Mines and Tech and at Barton County, TD for Black Hills Rapids, and Camp Director for several camps.

Joe is married to his wonderful wife, Heather, who owns two businesses (hand Forged Candle Company and Woman's Glamping Company), based in Ely, MN. He has one step-daughter who lives in Portland, OR and two pets - one dog named Minnesota and one cat named Finnegan.

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Tom Faro started at Michigan In September 1999. He spent 5 years as the Executive Director at Ohio North from October 2005 to December 2010, before returning to Michigan, serving as the Executive Director since January 2011. 

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, he previously worked in the insurance industry and managed an indoor soccer facility in Novi, MI. He is a former youth and HS coach, referee, club and league president. He was on MSYSA's Board as State Registrar for a very brief period of time before being selected as MSYSA's Executive Director in September, 1999.  

Some fun facts about Tom: He is a triplet. Tom and his sister, Chris, were born on March 19 and my brother was born a little before midnight on March 18. He is married to Kelly (17 years), and has two children, Maya (15) and Landon (12). They are big fans of Disney World. They travel to Disney World, as a family, at least once a year. They also like to vacation 'up north' in Michigan during the summer months. Tom currently serves as President of our neighborhood HOA (fun stuff) and in 2020, he was elected to serve as Trustee for the school district our children attend, Milan Area Schools. 

Over the years, Tom has served on a number of USYS Committees. He is most proud of his contributions as a member of the USYS RMC Committee, dating back to 2006. 

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Nik started at Missouri in January 2015. As the Executive Director, he oversees all operations of the State Association, design and implement the long term planning for strategy put forth by Board of Directors. He is also active in event management and execution within the state.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, he has been active in soccer at the club level for over 20 years, serving on both league and club Board of Directors. He has worked as a Club Tournament Director, Club Executive Director and also owner of a futsal facility. Nik is a National Youth and D license coach, including coaching a National Champion team in fustal in 2011 and also in the Midwest Regional League.

Outside of the office, Nik enjoys F1 racing, the English Premier League and cooking. He has his culinary degree with 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and 20 years as an owner of a food service management company. He has been married for over 30 years and has two sons, that both serve in the US Air Force. 

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Polly started at South Dakota in January 2019. As Executive Director of South Dakota Youth Soccer, she is in charge of all member relations and communications regarding state programming, club compliance, player registration, and both state and club development. She is the primary contact for SDYSA regarding registration and risk management related inquiries at the club level, as well as all Regional and National initiatives.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, she was co-founder and CEO of an anti-human trafficking non-profit called, The New Colossus. They were an awareness and prevention based organization that traveled throughout the Midwest leading trainings for law enforcement and first responders, educators, government officials and politicians, social service agencies, and more. They also had a training developed specifically for youth with tailored units for kids that were incarcerated or in treatment facilities.

She loves to travel and does so, often, with her husband and three kids ages, 16, 14, and 12. Their favorite vacation experiences have been Napa, Jamaica, and Universal Studios. When they are not traveling, they are busy with the kids in soccer, dance, volleyball, basketball, and track. Her favorite things in no particular order- her Aussie doodle (Quill), charcuterie boards, documentaries, live music, online shopping, and their famous Sunday Family Brunch.

Melissa started at Wisconsin in May 2004 and has been the Executive Director since 2011. As Executive Director, she is responsible for the day to day operations of the Association including financial management, State Association policy and compliance. Working together with the State Board and WYSA staff, they develop the strategic focus of the organization with emphasis on service to our membership.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, she spent 7 years on the WYSA staff as a Program Administrator managing various State Association programs. She also served as an admin to the Adult State Association, prior to her work with WYSA.

Besides professional experience, she was raised in and around the game. Her family was very involved with an ethnic club in Milwaukee where she developed her love of soccer. As an adult, she took on club administration and coaching to perpetuate her heritage and celebrate soccer in their community.

She has four children, each of who participants in multiple sports. Melissa and her husband are involved in their local community through coaching and positions on volunteer boards. They enjoy getting out on one of Wisconsin's many lakes, taking on the outdoors in different ways each season, cooking, gardening, and of course, getting more soccer in wherever they can.

Jennifer started at ASA in January 2018. As the Executive Director, she oversees the day-to-day operations with the help of ASA staff leading leagues and programs including Alabama State League, ODP, and coaching education.  Jennifer also connects with the members, identifies new members and because AL is a small state, she helps referee games and is an instructor for Grassroots Coaching education.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, she was the Technical Director in Arkansas, has coached NPSL & WPSL teams, was the Associate Technical Director for Illinois Youth Soccer, has been a College Professor and College Coach, Club Director, High School Coach, Regional ODP Coach, USSF Coaching Education Instructor and USSF Referee.

When not in the office, Jennifer lives on 30 acres with her husband and daughter (21). They have lots of animals: goats, cats, dogs, chickens. They also also have cows and horses on parts of the property. She loves going on Carnival cruises, is a Gym Rat, is CrossFit Level One Instructor, and a Judge.

Jim started at Arkansas in April 2017.  He is the Executive Director, with only himself and one other person working in a full time capacity, along with one part time independent contractor serving as their Technical Director/Director of Coaching. As a result, they handle all elements of State Association operations from top to bottom. This includes negotiating of partnership contracts, budget creation, operation of leagues, GotSport IT support for their members, risk management, writing rules and policies, ODP, referees, youth and adult players, and various administrative elements. With their limited staff, this frequently requires each staffer to jump into various tasks to get their hands actively involved in our events.

Before becoming an Executive Director, Jim is a former Division 1 player out of Davidson and attended (and played) three more years of club soccer for Pepperdine while in law school. After graduating law school, he played in the Hispanic leagues in Los Angeles for a number of years while working at a boutique law firm in Marina del Rey for about 12 years. Thereafter, he took the position of National Litigation Counsel for YUM! Brands, the parent company of Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut and worked in Rhode Island for about 11 years in that position. After nearly 25 years of legal practice, he found that his volunteer work in the soccer community was far more enjoyable than the legal field, so he looked to transition careers and landed in Arkansas.

Outside of the office, he just celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary in October 2021. Jim and his wife have two boys. His oldest (Garrett) is a senior holding midfielder and a two year captain of the high school varsity team. His youngest (Grant) is a sophomore goalkeeper and was captain of the JV team last year but is pressing to become the varsity starting keeper this spring. They have one dog - a Novia Scotian Duck Toller -- named Derby (pronounced Darby, as in an English Derby). He loves to travel and has visited all 50 states (living in about 12 of them) and 5 continents.

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 Laura started at Georgia in July 2020. As the Executive Director, she is responsible for managing the day to day operations of the organization. Being that they have a variety of departments such as ODP, Coach Education, Referee Education, Membership & Administration, Events/Tournaments & Leagues, Adult Leagues and Business Operations, no day is like any other, which Laura really enjoys.

Laura leads a staff of 6 full-time and 2 part-time and their office is based out of Atlanta, GA. Her role with staff is to make sure the office culture is happy and healthy, that they have fun doing work they love and enjoy and celebrate all our wins no matter how small.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, Laura was the Executive Director of Orlando City Youth Soccer Club, Orlando FL. Beginning in 2012, they began what is now the Orlando City MLS Academy and Youth Club, growing to a club of 2000 players and families with programs that ranged from beginner to elite for all ages youth and adult. It was a rewarding project to be part of and build a youth club. In addition, she oversaw the facility and its development. The club has a 40 acre, 11 full sided field facility. During her time at Orlando City, she was the Girls Director of Coaching, General Manager and Executive Director before leaving for Georgia Soccer Association.

Outside of the office, she loves to stay active. Laura loves hiking, biking, soccer, travel, personal finance, flipped a few houses in the past and loved it. She drinks good coffee and lots of it. She devours books on personal finance & philosophy. She has family in Orlando and England. She is married, has two nephews, 2 nieces and 2 cats.

Her favorite books include Daring Greatly (Brene Brown), Simple Path to Wealth (JL Collins) and Candide (Voltaire). Her favorite movies include Monty Python's Life of Brian, A League of Their Own and Portrait of a Lady on Fire. 

Tucker started at Louisiana in July 2014. As the Executive Director, he oversees a staff of 3. His main focus is operational and policy development. 

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, Tucker was the Director of Communications for Massachusetts Youth Soccer for 4 years. Prior to that, he was a practicing attorney for 30 years. He has coached at all levels of play (except pro) for 32 years.

Outside of the office, Tucker has been married for 40 years, has 3 children and 2 grandchildren. His hobbies include golfing, woodworking and dining out. 

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Kathy started at North Carolina in March 1995. As the Executive Director, she is in charge of the oversight and support of NCYSA staff, oversight of financials and operations for NCYSA, programs/services for their member associations, sponsorships and support for their Executive Board. Prior to becoming the Executive Director, she was a volunteer in the soccer community.

Outside of the office, Kathy enjoys reading, spending time with family and enjoying my grandchildren. She likes word games, Sudoku and volunteering outside the soccer community. She is married to a wonderful man (George), they have 2 sons (Eddie and Chris) who got her involved in the beautiful game, and 3 wonderful granddaughters (Avery, Reese, and Finley).

Kathy loves what she does and looks forward to going into work every day. She has made some wonderful friends across the country and is happy that she works with an organization that always asks, "How will this impact our players?"

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Jen has been with South Texas since March 2013. South Texas Youth Soccer oversees 25 plus regional soccer Associations and hundreds of local soccer clubs which total about 80,000 registered soccer players in South Texas. As Executive Director, she manages a staff of 10 full-time staff and approximately 50 contract employees and volunteers. They have a Board of Directors with 7 hard-working, supportive people who are passionate about soccer.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, Jen held similar positions in Louisiana and Florida and has held positions in sports in operations, marketing and communications. She has been working in youth soccer for over 20 years in various states and capacities. She jokes to her husband that she keeps moving them West and someday we will retire in Hawaii.

Jen is married and has 3 sassy girls - ages 9, 11, and 12. They definitely keep her active! In her spare time, she still plays soccer for an “old-lady” league and have gotten back into running in the last few years. She also teaches sport management and non-profit business college courses online.

Hans started at Tennessee State Soccer Association in January 2013. As the Chief Operating Officer, he oversees all aspects of running the State Association. That means making sure that he follows their Mission: To make a difference, to lead, to serve, to inspire. To follow their Vision: To be the Premier State Association known for Partnerships, Promotions, and Pioneering the next movement of soccer. Lastly, taking care of the sport in Tennessee and taking care of his staff are his top priorities.

Prior to becoming the COO, he has been a referee, coach, Director of Coaching, and Club Executive Director. Hans believes that all of these experiences have helped him to have a unique and personal understanding of the sport and how to help their membership. He has served as an ODP Coach, USSF Coaching Educator and earned his highest level of Coaching Certification with the United Soccer Coaches, earning his Premier Diploma. Hans has coached and won numerous State Cups, but the player relationships stand out the most as he looks back.

Outside of the office, Hans has a beautiful wife (Erin) and has 3 crazy boys (Landon, Isaac and Levi). They spend most of their time on the soccer field, watching them play. When they are not doing that, they enjoy the outdoors and spending time with their extended family. 

John started with Alaska in March 2021. He was hired part time to be the Executive Director, Administrator, Registrar, TOP Soccer Director, State Tournament Director, Director of Coaches/Technical Director, and anything else that needs to be done. He does receive Technical Support from his ODP Director.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, he worked for the Anchorage School District, managing a data based application for Special Education. He is still a Swiss Army Knife for them. 

Outside of the office, he has an amazing partner, Kyla, and two stepsons (10) and (14). He loves the mountains, learning and good conversation. 

Jon started at Arizona in October 2021. Under the direction of the Arizona Soccer Association (ASA) Board of Directors and under the supervision of the Board President, the CEO will assist the Board of Directors in developing and administering programs and services to help accomplish the vision and goals of the nonprofit Arizona Soccer Association (ASA) in support of servicing and growing its membership and affecting the state in positive ways.

With more than 25 years of business management, marketing communications, and nonprofit management experience in senior leadership roles, Jon also brings more than 20 years of soccer experience as a club and college soccer coach, administrator, board member and committee chair. His extensive business background ranges across several industries including financial services, real estate, and insurance, as well as trade association management, education, and athletic administration.
 

Prior to joining ASA as CEO, Jon served as Vice President of Communications for STORE Capital, where he managed all aspects of corporate, internal, and marketing communications for the NYSE publicly traded real estate investment trust. His soccer career highlights include serving as a board member and committee chair for the Arizona Youth Soccer Association (now ASA), founding and leading the Banat Soccer Club, and coaching Paradise Valley Community College to an NJCAA D1 Women’s Soccer National Championship in 2016.

Soccer is his passion. Family is his life. Manchester United is his club. USMNT and USWNT are his national teams.

Marley started at Cal North in January 2021. As the Executive Director, his duties include: 1. Be more inclusive on and off the field of play. 2. Re-imagine good governance providing for consistency of bylaws, rules, guidelines and policies across our entire organization. 3. Develop and activate organizational assets to drive significant advances in revenue generation. 4. Maintain a strong and vital customer service-centric approach to support our constituents’ success in reaching their goals. 5. Focus on building programs to support, strengthen and grow our base.

Cal North's Vision - Every child is an individual of importance to be nurtured, encouraged, and supported. With programs for the disadvantaged, and programs leading to state-wide competitions for all levels of play in the form of Founders Cup, Association Cup, President’s Cup, and State Cup, Competitive Leagues, TOPSoccer, Futsal, and the Olympic Development Program, we have the right program for your soccer community.

Cal North's Mission - Our mission is to serve all children and our communities by providing opportunities that allow each child to grow, learn, mature and succeed by becoming productive adult members of society through the development, promotion, and offering, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin and/or ability, comprehensive community based leagues that offer a complete range of youth soccer opportunities for all children of all ages and abilities.

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Craig started at Idaho Youth Soccer in March 2007. In the Executive Director role, when you work for a small state you may have the title of Executive Director, but the reality is that you have a hand in pretty much everything with the added responsibility that you oversee the whole organization, both administratively and financially.

Craig was born and raised in Oxford, England. He left school in 1986 and moved to the US in 1993, where he continued his career in Information Technology as a designer, installation and support manager for computer networks and software implementation. Also, in 1993, he began coaching for a local club in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. After a year, he joined their Board of Directors. In 2005, he moved on to the State Association Board of Directors, where he served for 2 years before becoming their Executive Director.

From his late teens, he was an avid Dart player and had a passion for computer programming. Both darts and computers were a huge part of his life and to this day, he still dabbles in the computer world, but only as a hobby. Craig's parents got divorced when he was only 8 years old. His mom eventually re-married a man that was in the United States Air Force, who Craig grew to love like a father and called him "pop". He became ill in 2008 and so Craig's mom and pop moved in with him. Pop passed away in 2012, but to this day, Craig and his mom still share a house and are the best of buddies. Craig remains blissfully single with no kids and no life outside of the sport he loves, soccer.

Craig is probably one of the most laid back people you will ever meet. As a soccer professional, it is our job to be the keepers of the game and to focus on the kids and not ourselves or other outside influences. Make the best decisions you can based on the information you have and what will be will be.

As the song says "Don't worry, be happy" - Bobby McFerrin, 1988

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Melanie started with Nevada in June 2020. As the Executive Director, simply put, she tries to make sure youth soccer happens in Nevada. She helps coordinate with clubs and leagues, ensures players are registered and insured. She oversees state run programs and tournaments, enforces NYSA and USYS policies, and helps grow the participation for youth soccer in Nevada.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, she has a Master's Degree in Sport Management from Long Beach State and has worked with the Chargers in the NFL, the Clippers in the NBA, the Special Olympics and Long Beach State athletics. Prior to receiving her Master's, she worked in sports and athlete healthcare with individuals from USA Water Polo, USA Gymnastics, USA Swimming and Long Beach State athletics department.

Outside of the office, she grew up in Las Vegas and played soccer from U4 to U18, playing on ODP, club and high school teams. She enjoys going to the lake in the summer, snowboarding in the winter, hiking, and maintaining workout streaks on my Peloton. She enjoys traveling, cooking, beer festivals and dogs.

Gloria started at New Mexico in August 2005. She started with NMYSA as the Office Administrator/Registrar then took on the Executive Director position about 8 years ago. She has been involved in soccer administration for over 20 years in various capacities.

Prior to joining NMYSA, she was in mortgage banking for 15 years as well as owning a business with her husband. 

Outside of the office, Gloria likes to bike, hike, snow ski, water ski, and enjoy boating when the weather permits. She loves spending time outdoors, and appreciates a good book, cooking, and spending time with family. She ultimately want to find ways to engage kids in soccer and is always working to streamline processes and unite the communities in New Mexico around youth soccer.

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Bryan has been with Utah since March 2011. He served as the Member Services Director and the Director of Operations before he was hired as CEO in July 2019.  He loves working with his staff and their membership to ensure that they are providing the best value and experience to their players, coaches, and parents, referees, and volunteers.

Bryan was born and raised in the small town of Okanogan, in northern Washington. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 2010 and was preparing to attend graduate school when an opportunity at Utah Youth Soccer opened up. He was hired as the Member Services Director and began his journey in the youth soccer world. After two years at UYSA, he was given the opportunity to pursue a graduate degree. He studied Sports Administration and completed his degree from Gonzaga University in 2015.

Bryan has been married to his beautiful wife, Esther, for 15 years and have 4 wonderful children, ages 4, 6, 8 and 10. He remains active and loves to workout, golf and play other old man sports.

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Lisa started at Wyoming in June 2017. Being the smallest state association in the country, likely means they have the smallest staff as well. Currently, Lisa is the only Full time employee. As the Executive Director, she works administratively writing policy, managing registrar duties, serving their members, managing state programs (including ODP), organizing events, budgeting, and various other duties as they come up. There is never enough time and always plenty of interesting things to do, but she wouldn't have it any other way. Lisa is drawn to a role where every day looks a bit different and she loves it.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, Lisa served as the Marketing Director for a physician-owned surgical hospital. It was high pace and high pressure, and she worked fairly independently, so the transition to Wyoming Soccer (although a completely different type of work) was fairly smooth.

Lisa loves to play the piano and she is at the lake every weekend possible during our short Wyoming Summers, enjoying boating, swimming, tubing and cliff jumping with her husband, four children and sometimes their two dogs. Her youngest two children are twins and they keep her very busy between various sports including football, diving, hockey, dance, and of course, soccer! Personally, she has never played soccer a day in her life, as she was a swimmer in high school.

Although she calls Wyoming home, and likely always will, she has also lived in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Montana and spent an entire year living in Germany before she went to college. Before she came back to the states, she backpacked through France, Belgium and Italy with two friends for nearly a month and the entire experience changed her life. Lisa loves the opportunity to gain new perspective and learn about other people and cultures.