Wade Smith

About Wade Smith

Versatile and accomplished executive with expertise in sports administration, corporate strategy, and marketing. As Chief Operating Officer of National Collegiate Rugby, oversee operations, marketing, and strategic initiatives for 650 college teams, leading national championships, media engagement, and membership services. Founder of Go Play! Consulting, advising sports organizations on strategy, operations, and sponsorships. Previous leadership roles in financial services and consulting sectors, driving global marketing, investor relations, and business growth across multinational businesses. Proven ability to scale organizations, enhance engagement, and deliver lasting impact.

Experience

1. Chief Operating Officer

   National Collegiate Rugby

   Dec 2021 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   Oversee operations, marketing and strategy for college rugby’s national association that serves student-athletes across 650 men’s and women’s clubs. Responsible for five national championship events annually, including the National 7s Championship—the largest collegiate 7s tournament in the world with 144 schools and 2,100 athletes.

Education

• Florida State University

  M.S.

• NYU Stern School of Business

  MBA

• Ithaca College

  B.S.

Skills

• Financial Services
• Business Planning
• Operations Management
• Management
• Management Consulting
• Banking
• Risk Management
• Team Management
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Life Insurance
• Business Development
• Marketing Strategy
• Business Strategy
• Change Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Strategy
• Program Management
• Acquisition Integration
• Leadership