Lisa Sacco named Haudenosaunee Nationals Executive Director

Growing up in upstate New York, Lisa Sacco was surrounded by the sport of lacrosse for as long as she could remember. However, her direct involvement with the game has only come in recent years, as she was named the Executive Director for the Haudenosaunee Nationals this past December, after serving on the board of trustees for just under three years.

“I know it sounds crazy not coming from a lacrosse background,” Sacco said. “But I feel as though my focus on the larger mission of getting to the Olympics is truly what matters. I may not have that personal connection to the game, like the players and coaches do, but I will do everything I can to achieve our primary objective.”

Sacco’s career began in human resources in 1999 with Carrols Corporations, then moving over to Time Warner Cable in Syracuse, NY. She transitioned from private sector human resources to public service, starting employment with the New York State Assembly in 2015. She served as district director and later became Chief of Staff in 2018.

“I have a really strong background in working with people and internal organizations,” Sacco said. “My experience on the corporate side has given me a wide range of skills that I believe will translate seamlessly into the sports world.”

One of the many responsibilities Sacco took on in her previous roles was fundraising. She has been a dedicated volunteer for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for years, raising over $1.1 million since 2016. Fundraising is a critical part of the growth and development of any organization, helping to bring awareness to the brand, support financial needs, and build a strong community—all of which are key for the Haudenosaunee Nationals.

At the heart of Sacco’s mission is securing sponsorships, with a long-term goal of building an athletic training center and center of excellence. This facility would not only provide athletes with a dedicated space to train but also serve as a venue for cultural experiences.

“Sports are expensive. Traveling is expensive, especially when looking at some of the major World Lacrosse tournaments coming up,” Sacco said. “So, it’s a heavy lift, but bringing in different support groups is key. I look forward to nurturing the partnerships we already have while developing new ones—that’s a part of the job I truly enjoy.”

With a strong background in community relations and fundraising, Sacco believes her fresh perspective will help elevate the Nationals program to even greater heights.

A graduate of West Genesee High School in NY, she understands the tight-knit nature of the lacrosse community. While she may not have played the sport herself, her passion lies in its cultural significance.

“My mother was in a residential school as a child and was later relocated from Akwesasne, to live with family in Syracuse, after the death of both her parents. It was difficult to be immersed in our culture when we were not surrounded by it on a daily basis,” Sacco said. “I believe many people my age are trying to recapture what was lost over the last few generations. On a personal note, her death in 2024, was a huge driving force behind why I want to be closer to the sport, but even more importantly, my Native culture.”

“I believe this journey will bring me closer to my mother's (and my) heritage. It will help our people achieve the recognition they have long fought for. Having the world know where this game truly came from and celebrating that history is long overdue—that’s where my drive comes from.”

The past few months have seen significant momentum for the Nationals program. The women’s box team competed in and won a bronze medal at the first-ever World Lacrosse Women’s Box Championships in Utica, NY. They were later inducted into the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame. Additionally, both the U.S. and Canadian governments issued a joint statement in support of the Nationals’ bid to compete in the 2028 Olympics under their own flag.

Sacco knows that achieving these goals will require collective effort. While her background provides valuable insight, she also leans on key figures like Leo Nolan, Oren Lyons, the players, coaches, and management staff to push the mission forward.

“I know I can’t do this alone,” Sacco said. “The people who have been working for generations are critical to both preserving what has already been accomplished and continuing to build on it. I rely heavily on their direction, and together, we can create something truly special.”

Sacco is committed to ensuring that the Haudenosaunee Nationals remain accessible and visible to the broader lacrosse community.

“I just want to make sure that the community—not just the Indigenous community, but the lacrosse community as a whole—knows I am available,” Sacco said. “I am open to feedback and want to hear what people think will help our program grow. The only way we will make this goal a reality is by working together, welcoming support, and continuing to elevate the Haudenosaunee Nationals on the global stage.”

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Lisa Sacco is an enrolled member of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe/Akwesasne and is Wolf Clan. She resides in Syracuse, NY