Caitlin Cahow’s name is etched into the annals of American ice hockey. She captured bronze at the 2006 Winter Olympics and followed it with a silver medal four years later, while also helping the U.S. team secure three consecutive IIHF World Championship golds in 2008, 2009 and 2011.
A New Chapter in Hockey Governance
Beyond the rink, Cahow balanced her athletic pursuits with academia, graduating from Harvard University in 2008 with a degree in social and biological anthropology and earning the prestigious Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year Award as a senior. She then pursued law at Boston College, all while continuing to represent the United States on the national team.
In June, the former captain was elected vice president and chair of the Legal Council for USA Hockey, marking a decisive shift from competitor to architect of the sport’s governance. Her appointment reflects a broader effort to embed legal expertise into the organization’s strategic framework.
Cahow’s professional journey took a parallel turn when she joined the global law firm Jones Day in 2015, specializing in business restructuring and Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. As a partner, she leverages her analytical background to navigate complex corporate challenges, a skill set that now informs her work with USA Hockey.
Outside the office, Cahow’s personal life has expanded with the marriage to Kristen Jakubowski in 2017 and the birth of two daughters, Carter and Remy, who already dream of stepping onto the ice. Their family’s connection to the sport underscores a generational legacy that Cahow hopes to nurture.
Reflecting on her path, Cahow credits USA Hockey with shaping her identity, offering opportunities that spanned athletic triumphs, academic growth, and professional development. From the White House delegation to the President’s Council of Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, she remains committed to giving back to a community that once gave her everything.