The Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) Board of Stewards has appointed Laura Kunkemueller as the organization’s next commissioner. She steps into the role previously held by Gary Caldwell, who retired on October 11, 2024.
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Kunkemueller, who rowed collegiately for Princeton University after walking on to the team her freshman year, has been a part of the last 25 IRA Championships, initially as a referee and beginning in 2015, as the Chief Referee.
“The transition is the culmination of what is best described as an apprenticeship with Gary Caldwell,” remarked Kunkemueller. “Gary and I are among a handful of people who have worked the IRA for 25 years or more. We’ve worked very closely over the last three years to make sure that I was ready to progress when he wanted to retire.”
With Caldwell at the helm the IRA advanced from ECAC affiliate and established a constitution, bylaws, and operating rules. The IRA is currently a 501(c)3 corporation with a Board of Stewards entrusted with the authority to operate the championship with the best interests of the athletes in mind.
“There is always the desire to make sure that we are at the forefront of athlete experience and championship experience,” said Kunkemueller. “Men’s collegiate rowing has a very special place within the broader picture of rowing—there’s a lot of history and tradition but we need to keep the flavor of that while pushing forward to take advantage of what we have available now from technology or other resources.”
After taking a break from rowing following her Princeton graduation, Kunkemueller moved to Syracuse, N.Y. where one of her father’s boatmates from college got her back into the sport, this time as an official. She was introduced to the ECAC and men’s collegiate rowing first observing them in 1998 and working from 1999 on.
“Collegiate rowing is at a great place,” Kunkemueller stated. “I’m excited about what I see in terms of ways that we can grow engagement and work together to elevate the championship experience. Gary grew and professionalized the IRA as an organization, series of qualifying regattas and the national championship. The team in place is well positioned to push forward and take the championship to a higher level.”
Kunkemueller’s role as commissioner, effective immediately, will call upon her experience as a college rower, referee and Chief Referee as well as her desire to enhance the IRA Championship.
