NFHCA Opens Board of Directors Nomination Period; Honors Cheryl Murtagh for Her Exemplary Service
MANAHAWKIN, NJ — The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is excited to announce the nomination period for its Board of Directors elections is now open. The nomination process opened on December 18, 2024, and will close on January 21, 2025. Coaches are encouraged to nominate a colleague or self-nominate to help shape the future of the NFHCA. The elected positions carry a three-year term beginning March 1, 2025, and ending February 28, 2028.
Open Board Positions:
Current open Board positions include President, Vice President of Finances, Division II Representative and Division III Representative. Current President Carolyn King-Robitaille, Division II Representative Jessica Spencer, and Division III Representative Janelle Benner are eligible for second terms, should they choose to run again.
Board members are integral to the growth and sustainability of the NFHCA. Responsibilities include providing strategic direction, representing respective divisions or groups, supporting initiatives, ensuring financial oversight, and actively participating in Board meetings and events. Eligibility requirements and detailed role descriptions can be found in the NFHCA Bylaws.
To appear on the official ballot, candidates must complete the interest form by the January 21 deadline. Ballots will be distributed to members on January 27 for voting.
Honoring Cheryl Murtagh’s Tenure as Vice President of Finances
As the NFHCA opens its election season, it also celebrates the incredible contributions of Cheryl Murtagh, who will complete her second term as Vice President of Finances. Since joining the Board in March 2021, she has been a cornerstone of the association’s leadership, bringing financial expertise and unwavering dedication to her role.
“Working with Cheryl has been an absolute privilege. Her sharp insights and passion for the coaching community have been invaluable to the NFHCA. She’s been a champion for this association and we truly appreciate her service to the NFHCA,” remarked NFHCA Executive Director Cate Clark.
During her tenure on the board, the association transitioned to new Bylaws, developed a comprehensive strategic plan, welcomed new leadership in the Executive Director role, introduced a Giving program, and launched new programming initiatives such as Campfire Mentoring and the Aspire Coaches Academy.
NFHCA President Carolyn King-Robitaille shared praise: “Cheryl is a staple in the field hockey community. Her passion for the sport, coaches, and players is palpable. Cheryl’s financial acumen, professionalism, and commitment have been instrumental to the NFHCA’s success. We are deeply appreciative of her tireless service.”
Reflecting on her experience, Murtagh expressed, “Serving on the Board has been an opportunity to give back to an organization that supported me throughout my coaching career. The NFHCA is in a fantastic position to provide valuable services to coaches, and it has been a privilege to work with such outstanding, professional colleagues. I encourage others to consider Board service as a chance to shape the future of our sport.”
With nominations open, this is your chance to contribute to the future of field hockey. Join leaders like Murtagh in making a lasting impact on the sport and the coaching community.
The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is a nonprofit organization serving field hockey coaches and supporters of the game from across the United States. The mission of the organization is to champion, strengthen, and celebrate field hockey coaches and the game. The NFHCA strives to cultivate and recognize the professional contributions of its membership and to foster and promote the growth of the sport. The NFHCA is responsible for providing a recognizable presence and voice in regard to legislation affecting the sport as well as interscholastic and intercollegiate programs.