Lisa Baird

Lisa Baird is the CEO of NextUp, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing professional women, allies, and corporate partners together to champion gender equity and advance all women in their careers. Prior to her position at NextUp, Baird served as the Commissioner of the National Women’s Soccer League, the premier professional women’s soccer league in the United States. Baird has a long-standing career with over three decades of experience in executive positions at the Top 50 public companies, including Procter & Gamble, General Motors, and IBM. She is also known for her service as a director and advisor to private equity.

Before joining the NWSL, Baird served as Chief Marketing Officer for New York Public Radio until February 2020. Baird led the marketing and audience development, data, membership, sponsorship, and communications teams. As an award-winning marketer, Baird has made significant contributions to building some of the world's most iconic brands and sports properties.

Prior to this position, she was the Chief Marketing Officer of the U.S. Olympic Committee. As the USOC's Chief Marketing Officer, Baird directs the USOC's Sales and Marketing Division and oversees the development of innovative corporate sponsorship and licensing programs that deliver maximum return on investment to the USOC's family of Corporate Partners while leveraging the unique attributes of the U.S. Olympic Team brand.

Concurrently, Baird serves as a board member of Canteloupe (NASDAQ: CTLP), a software and hardware payment services platform for self-service retail. She was formerly a board member at Fox Racing, a biking apparel and accessories company. She has also served on the board of GK Elite Sportswear, a leading sportswear manufacturer and omni-channel retailer.

From 1999-2005, Baird worked at IBM, first as Vice President, Advertising and then as Senior Vice President, Worldwide Marketing Communications. She led IBM's global marketing initiatives, including the development and execution of advertising, sports marketing, direct marketing, digital marketing and media campaigns in 70 countries. Additionally, she was responsible for the IBM e-business campaign which won the 2006 Grand Effie award as well as numerous advertising, direct marketing and web awards.

From 1996-99, Baird held a series of marketing positions at General Motors, including serving as Chief Creative Officer of e-gm. Prior to that, she worked in positions with leading consumer products companies including Bristol Meyers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble.

Baird is a graduate of Penn State University with both a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Business Administration degree.