Patrick B. Summers, with nearly three decades of intercollegiate athletics experience, is celebrating his fourteenth year as the Executive Director of the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC). Since joining in 2011, he has brought his extensive expertise to the 12-member conference, elevating its stature in the collegiate sports landscape as one of the preeminent NCAA Division III conferences in the country.
Executive Director at NEWMAC:
At NEWMAC, Summers has spearheaded the conference's operations for over a decade. He shapes the strategic direction, oversees budget allocation, manages 19 championships, and ensures adherence to NCAA and NEWMAC regulations. Under his guidance, NEWMAC has flourished into a competitive and forward-looking athletic organization. Major accomplishments during his tenure include:
- Negotiated a five-year media rights agreement with FloSports.
- Created emergency governance committees and processes to address global pandemic.
- Developed COVID-19 Health and Safety Best Practices to allow institutions to safely return to practice and competition in the 2020-2021 academic year.
- Expanded conference membership and sports sponsorship for the first time since 1998 adding Emerson College in 2014 and Salve Regina University in 2024 as full members and Football and Men’s Lacrosse as conference sports.
- Developed and implemented two five-year strategic plans.
- Rebranded conference logo and marks.
- Established an association-wide working group focusing on the officiating crisis in college athletics.
Leadership in National Committees:
Summers, a recognized leader in the field, is currently serving as a member of the Division III Management Council and Past President of the Division III Commissioners Association. He recently finished a four-year appointment on the NCAA Division III Interpretations and Legislation Committee. Other notable committee work illustrating his commitment to the NEWMAC and the NCAA includes:
- NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee
- NCAA Division III Management Council Subcommittee for Legislative Relief
- Conference Commissioners Officiating Working Group
- NCAA Division III Advisory Council
- NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Committee
- NCAA Division III Subcommittee for Amateurism Fact Finding
- Asian American Pacific Islander Athletic Alliance
- NCAA Division III CoSIDA Working Group
- Boston 2024 Olympic Exploratory Committee
- NCAA Division III Convention Planning Subcommittee
Additionally, Summers regularly guest lectures at area colleges and universities including Nichols College, Northeastern University, Regis College and the University of Massachusetts.
Prior Contributions:
Before NEWMAC, Summers was a co-founder of PrestoSports, Inc. in 2003, a pioneering company in college athletic websites. As the Chief Operating Officer, he played a pivotal role in the company's growth, implementing strategic branding initiatives, unique sales strategies, and comprehensive customer service programs.Earlier in his career, Summers was a key contributor to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) administration from 1996 to 2003. He progressed through various roles, culminating as Assistant Commissioner for Championships and Information Technology. His influence led to improved championship administration, securing significant grants, and advancing the use of technology in collegiate sports including the first online officiating and payment systems.
Educational Background:
A graduate of Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Summers understands the student-athlete experience intimately. He was a dedicated member of the tennis team and captained the team during his senior year. Summers' legacy is one of transformational leadership, strategic vision, and tireless dedication to fostering excellence within collegiate athletics. His profound influence extends from NEWMAC to the broader athletics community, shaping the experiences of student-athletes, administrators, and institutions alike.