ACC Announces 2026-27 Conference Leadership

ACC logoCHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The Atlantic Coast Conference announced today that Virginia Tech President Timothy D. Sands has ascended to the role of Chair of the ACC Board of Directors and Pittsburgh Chancellor and CEO Joan Gabel will serve as Vice-Chair for the 2026-27 academic year.

The ACC Board of Directors — comprised of the presidents and chancellors of the Conference’s 18 member institutions — provides strategic oversight and governance for the league.

ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips serves as the Conference’s Chief Executive Officer, while ACC Chief Operating & Business Officer Ben Tario serves as Treasurer and ACC Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel Pearlynn Houck serves as Secretary.

“It is an honor to serve as Chair of the ACC Board of Directors during such an important time for college athletics,” said Timothy D. Sands, Virginia Tech President and ACC Board Chair. “The ACC’s commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, and innovation continues to distinguish the conference nationally. I look forward to working collaboratively with Commissioner Phillips, Chancellor Gabel and my colleagues across the league to build on our momentum, strengthen our member institutions, and ensure we continue to provide an outstanding experience for our student-athletes.”

“The ACC’s strength has always been rooted in collaboration and our shared commitment to excellence both in competition and in the classroom,” stated Joan Gabel, University of Pittsburgh Chancellor. “I am honored to serve as Vice-Chair of the ACC Board of Directors, and I look forward to working with Commissioner Phillips, President Sands and my colleagues as we continue to position the ACC for long-term success.”

“As we enter the ACC’s 74th year, our conference stands stronger than ever — driven by extraordinary student-athletes, visionary institutional leadership, and a collective commitment to excellence,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “I look forward to working alongside President Sands, Chancellor Gabel and the entire ACC Board of Directors as we continue building on our remarkable momentum. Together, our institutions continue to excel in every measure — academically, athletically, financially, and through innovation — while helping shape the future of college athletics. We are proud of our tradition, energized by the opportunities ahead, and committed to strengthening the ACC for years to come.”

The Conference’s Executive Committee for 2026-27 will include Sands, Gabel, California Chancellor Rich Lyons, Notre Dame President Robert Dowd, Stanford President Jonathan Levin and Syracuse Chancellor Michael Haynie. The remaining members of the Board of Directors serve on other key committees, including Finance and Audit and Risk Management, and rotate onto the Executive Committee as terms expire.

NC State’s Joel Pawlak will serve as Chair of the ACC Faculty Athletics Representatives. Wake Forest’s John Currie will serve as Chair of the Athletics Directors, while Boston College’s Shauna Cobb will serve as Chair of the Senior Woman Administrators for the 2026-27 academic year.