Who is Jessica Berman, the new leader of the National Women's Soccer League?

The NWSL ends nearly half a year of a leadership vacuum. The North American women's soccer league has announced the appointment of Jessica Berman as its new executive director. The former NHL advisor and NLL deputy commissioner make the jump to the National Women's Soccer League.

More NWSL News:

2022 NWSL Challenge Cup schedule announced

The league closes with this appointment the interim period of Marla Messing, who came to the position on a temporary basis to cover the departure of Lisa Baird and former general counsel Lisa Levine. Both were ousted in early October 2021 due to scandals involving sexual and verbal abuse of players by some of the league's coaches.

Who is Jessica Berman?

Growing up in Brooklyn, Berman always found ways to be part of the sports culture, from being a cheerleader at her high school to following the stats for her school's baseball team.

At the University of Michigan, where she majored in sports management, she was the head coach of the school's field hockey, soccer, and baseball teams.

In an interview to the portal 'Lohud' she stated the following: 

“When I went to college back in the '90s there was no clear path on how to obtain that kind of experience,” she said of managing the teams. “I just went to the athletic department and I offered my services to help the different teams to keep statistics on the different players and liaised with the local newspapers on storytelling about the players.”

Professional Experience

Jessica Berman served in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) for two and a half years as deputy commissioner and executive vice president of business affairs. Her tenure with the National Hockey League spans 13 years, first as vice president and deputy general counsel and then as vice president of community development and executive director of the NHL Foundation.

After being appointed NWSL commissioner, Jessica said:

"I'm honored to be the next commissioner of the NWSL and grateful to the owners for their confidence in me. Working on behalf of, and in partnership with, our players is my number one priority. Having been involved in professional sports for many years, I know how critically important a genuine partnership with players is for us all to be successful and continue to grow."

More NWSL News:

Michelle Akers joins Orlando Pride coaching staff