Positive Coaching Alliance Announces New National Board Members and Names Jennifer Sweeney as Board Chair
04.15.26
[Oakland, CA] — [April 15, 2026] — Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), a national nonprofit working to change the culture of youth sports so that every child, regardless of social or economic circumstance, has access to a positive youth sports experience, has announced the appointment of five new members to its National Board of Directors, along with the election of Jennifer Sweeney as Board Chair, effective June 1, 2026.
The newly elected board members—Tracey Benford, retired partner at Goldman Sachs; Dennis Cruzan, founder of Cruzan Commercial Real Estate; Mark Shapiro, President & CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays; Tina Thornton, EVP of Creative Studio & Marketing at ESPN; and Patrick Wilson, President and CEO of Little League International—bring deep expertise across business, sports, media, and youth development.
Together, they join PCA’s National Board at a time of continued momentum to expand access to high-quality, character-driven youth sports experiences nationwide and further the PCA mission that Sports Done Right Changes Lives.
“Each of these leaders brings a deep belief in the power of youth sports to shape character, build confidence, and create opportunity,” said Jason Sacks, Chief Executive Officer of PCA. “Their collective experience and passion will help accelerate our efforts to ensure every young person has access to a positive sports experience.”
Jennifer Sweeney Named Board Chair
Following three years of dedicated leadership under Board Chair Mitch Cohen, PCA is pleased to announce the election of Jennifer Sweeney, an accomplished attorney and nonprofit advisor, as the organization’s next Board Chair.
“I’m honored to serve as PCA’s next Board Chair at such a pivotal moment in youth sports,” said Sweeney. “The need to ensure sports are positive, fun, and accessible to all children has never been greater, and PCA is ready to meet the moment.”
Reflecting on the importance of youth sports in communities across the country, Sweeney added: “Watching kids proudly put on their uniforms and take the field, full of excitement and possibility, is a powerful reminder of what youth sports can mean. Every child deserves the chance to experience that feeling.”
New Board Members
Each of the newly appointed board members brings a personal connection to youth sports and a shared commitment to advancing PCA’s mission:
Tracey Benford believes deeply in the life-shaping power of sports, emphasizing the role of character, confidence, and community in creating meaningful youth experiences.
Dennis Cruzan brings a lifelong appreciation for the impact of coaches and mentors, along with a strong commitment to expanding access and ensuring all young people benefit from positive, development-focused environments.
Mark Shapiro has seen firsthand the transformative impact of great coaching and youth sports experiences and is committed to helping scale tools and resources that support coaches, parents, and organizations.
Tina Thornton is driven by PCA’s mission to put kids first and create sports environments that build confidence, leadership, and joy.
Patrick Wilson represents a longstanding partnership between PCA and Little League International, with a shared focus on ensuring every child has access to a fun, meaningful introduction to sports.
About Positive Coaching Alliance
Positive Coaching Alliance’s (PCA) vision is a world where every young person has access to the transformational benefits of a positive youth sports experience with a coach who inspires them to become their best selves in the game and in life. PCA is a leader in the national youth sports landscape dedicated to changing the culture of youth sports by eliminating long-standing barriers that prevent access to a positive youth sports experience for many young people.
With 60 staff and 150 experienced PCA trainers, the organization partners with over 1,500 youth sports organizations, school districts, professional sports leagues, youth-serving organizations, and community leaders across the country to provide them with the tools and training they need to make their youth sports offerings positive, equitable, and accessible.
Founded in 1998, PCA is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and operates via a national footprint of 11 local PCA regions with committed non-governing local boards. Collectively, PCA and its partners bring a wealth of expertise and commitment to setting new standards in youth sports in America so that every young person has access to the benefits of a positive youth sports experience regardless of social or economic circumstance.
Media Contact: Casey U’Ren, Vice President, External Relations: casey_uren@positivecoach.org