World Lacrosse today announced the addition of three staff members to its growing team: Nina Cusmano, social & multimedia manager; Alicia Jackson, operations manager; and Amit Mallik, marketing communications manager.
The hires come at a critical point for the organization ahead of three major international events in the coming months – including two world championships (women and U21 men) and The World Games – as well as the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic sport program process.
The roles held by Cusmano and Mallik align with World Lacrosse’s increased focus on marketing and fan engagement, and will report to Christy Cahill, the organization’s chief brand & communications officer who was hired in January.
Cusmano joins World Lacrosse after having spent four years at the largest and fastest-growing professional soccer organization in North America, the United Soccer League. There, as social media and content manager, she oversaw the strategy and implementation for the USL’s growing portfolio that now boasts six leagues of play across men’s and women’s professional and development soccer.
Cusmano also previously served as a digital content specialist for the Palm Beach Post, and holds a master’s degree in marketing from the University of South Florida and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida. At WL, she will lead the development and deployment of creative social media strategies that raise awareness of and interest in World Lacrosse, as well as its events, members, teams and athletes.
Prior to World Lacrosse, Mallik spent three years at Northwestern University as assistant director of athletic communications. There, he served as the media relations contact for women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s tennis. In addition, he spent four years at NU as a student assistant, with experience as the primary media contact for women’s soccer, field hockey, softball and fencing, while also serving as a radio play-by-play announcer and co-director of WNUR Sports.
Mallik holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern’s Medill School and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in data science. At WL, he will help drive visibility, awareness and interest for the organization and related stakeholders, while supporting day-to-day communications and marketing activity, and driving strategy and content for WorldLacrosse.sport.
Meanwhile, Jackson brings more than 15 years’ experience in collegiate athletics to the operations manager role, having served as an NCAA Division I and II women’s lacrosse coach, as well as the director of operations for the University of Michigan women’s soccer program.
A collegiate lacrosse player at Salisbury University – where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and media studies, and a master’s in business administration – Jackson most recently was the first head women’s lacrosse coach in Eastern Michigan University history ahead of the team’s inaugural NCAA Division I season. She also helped establish the women’s lacrosse team at Grand Valley State University and built it as one of the premier programs at the NCAA Division II level. Additionally, Jackson served as the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association president for three years, and chair of the USA Lacrosse Coach Development Committee among additional committee roles for both USA Lacrosse and the NCAA.
Reporting to World Lacrosse COO Eric Parthen, Jackson will bolster overall operations – including finance, governance, HR and anti-doping functions – while also supporting WL President Sue Redfern.
Cusmano began at World Lacrosse on April 21, while Jackson started on April 25 and Mallik commences today.
