CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – University of North Carolina Chancellor Lee H. Roberts has been named to the College Football Playoff Board of Managers. Roberts replaces Clemson University President Jim Clements, who retired on December 31, 2025.
Comprised of 11 University Presidents and Chancellors, the board governs College Football Playoff business, property and affairs. The board has exclusive authority over major matters such as the appointment of officers, any change to the company’s purpose or permitted activities and approval of the annual budget.
“We appreciate the outstanding leadership and service by President Clements, and we are thrilled that Chancellor Roberts has accepted the nomination to begin serving on the College Football Playoff Board of Managers,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “It continues to be a significant time in college athletics, inclusive of college football, and Chancellor Roberts will provide excellent vision and guidance in this important role.”
"I’m honored to join the College Football Playoff Board of Managers at this pivotal moment for the sport,” said Roberts. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure the playoff serves student-athletes and the long-term future of college football.”
“We are grateful for Chancellor Roberts' willingness to serve on the CFP Board of Managers,” said Rich Clark, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff. “His leadership, perspective, and deep understanding of higher education and intercollegiate athletics will be invaluable as we continue to guide the Playoff through a period of growth and evolution.”
The members of the College Football Playoff Board of Managers are Chief Executive Officers from the 10 Football Bowl Subdivision conferences (American Athletic, Atlantic Coast, Big Ten, Big 12, Conference USA, Mid-American, Mountain West, Pac-12, Southeastern and Sun Belt) and the University of Notre Dame.
On August 9, 2024, the University of North Carolina Board of Governors elected Roberts as the 13th Chancellor of UNC-Chapel Hill. Roberts had previously served as the interim chancellor since December 15, 2023, after serving on the UNC Board of Governors and as the chair of its finance committee since 2021. Since assuming the role, Roberts has focused on expanding student enrollment and accelerating the development of Carolina North, a 250-acre campus envisioned for new academic and athletic facilities. His leadership priorities emphasize preparing graduating Tar Heels for long-term success while strengthening support for researchers, faculty, and staff—particularly in generative AI, applied sciences, strategic enrollment growth, and comprehensive campus master planning.
Previously, Roberts was the co-founder and managing partner of SharpVue Capital, a North Carolina investment firm that specializes in stewarding institutional funds and growing local economies. He also served as the state budget director under Governor Pat McCrory from 2014 to 2016. Additionally, Roberts has taught budgeting at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, while also serving the state of North Carolina on the State Board of Community Colleges, North Carolina’s Banking Commission, the Board of Visitors at the Sanford School and the Golden LEAF Foundation.