Tim Buckley

Tim Buckley began his role as senior vice president of external affairs on March 1, 2023. Buckley, who has more than 15 years of experience in government relations, political communications and public affairs strategy, oversees the Association's government relations and communications efforts to strengthen relationships with key constituents at the state and federal levels. Buckley also engages membership, media, policymakers, coalitions and other stakeholders to advance the NCAA's mission and goals.

Having served in multiple senior positions in state government, most recently as chief of staff to then-Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts, Buckley has extensive knowledge and proven experience crafting winning strategies for complex organizations. As chief of staff, Buckley led a team to advance Gov. Baker's initiatives, including legislative priorities and administrative goals across the 40,000-member executive branch with a $50 billion annual budget.

Before becoming chief of staff, Buckley oversaw government relations, legislative affairs and federal affairs while managing communications efforts across the executive branch of state government. Buckley helped shape Baker's bipartisan brand and guided his administration through multiple crises and complex policy challenges, including the state's COVID-19 response.

Buckley also served as communications director for Baker's successful 2014 campaign for governor and advised communications efforts for several statewide campaigns in Massachusetts. Buckley graduated from Colorado College with a Bachelor of Arts in political science.