Sports Leadership in the 21st Century

Laura J. Burton is a professor of sport management and the department head in Educational Leadership within the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut. Her research interests include understanding leadership in organizations (particularly sport organizations) and exploring development, access and success in leadership. In her work, Laura focuses on issues of gender in leadership contexts and specifically how stereotypes and discrimination impact women in sport leadership. She serves as an associate editor for the Journal of Sport Management and is on the editorial board for Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal. She has published in among others the Journal of Sport Management, Sport Management Review, and Sex Roles. She is co-editor of Women in Sport Leadership; Research and Practice for Change published in 2017 and co-wrote the textbook Organizational Behavior in Sport Management (2024) now in second edition.'Gregory M. Kane, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Business Administration at Eastern Connecticut State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Exercise Science/Sport Management, M.A. in Exercise Physiology, and B.A. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Connecticut. Dr. Kane's research focused on the effects of physical activity on mood, virtual reality in sport pedagogy, and experiential leadership activities. He has published extensively in these areas and presented his work at numerous national and international conferences.Dr. Kane has held several key leadership positions, including University Senate President, Chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, and Chair of the Association of Department Chairs. His leadership roles extended to several boards of advisors and professional organizations, and he has received awards for his service and mentorship, reflecting his dedication to leadership and education.