Few leaders in hockey have left as profound a mark as Kate Whitman Annis. From the ice to the front office, her passion and leadership continue to make a lasting impact.
Born in Far Hills, New Jersey, Whitman Annis spent her childhood figure skating until, at age 12, her father encouraged her to switch to hockey. She quickly fell in love with the game and honed her skills at Deerfield Academy, a top hockey boarding school.
She played four years as a defenseman at Wesleyan University, skating in 94 games and recording 42 points before graduating in 1999 with a Political Science degree. She later earned an MBA from Solvay Brussels School of Business.
Whitman Annis initially pursued politics, running campaigns in 2008 and 2009, but her passion for hockey remained. In 2015, she transitioned to coaching, leading the girls’ varsity hockey team at The Pingry School in New Jersey.
In 2018, she became Assistant Coach for the PHF’s Metropolitan Riveters and was soon promoted to General Manager. She helped rebuild the team to a third-place finish and later took on a leadership role with NLTT Ventures, overseeing the Minnesota Whitecaps and Buffalo Beauts.
In 2021, Whitman Annis became Executive Director of the Devils Youth Foundation (DYF), the charitable arm of the New Jersey Devils. She now leads fundraising, grant strategy, and community outreach, helping DYF award 30 grants totaling over $1.12 million to support hockey and youth programs across New Jersey.
She also continues coaching, working with The Pingry School, the New Jersey Colonials, and the Essex Hunt Club, where she first played.
“Hockey has the power to bring communities together,” she says. “By fostering a supportive environment, we can grow the sport and create lasting, positive impacts.”
See her vision in action:
With a career built on leadership and passion, Whitman Annis is one of hockey’s most influential changemakers. This June, we’re thrilled to welcome her to TCS Live, where she’ll share insights on leadership and growing the game.
Don’t miss the chance to learn from one of hockey’s most inspiring figures!
Purchase your TCS Live tickets to see Whitman Annis and the other TCS presenters up close and in person!
