New role strengthens support for member schools and sport chairs, expands professional development offerings, and helps launch Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

HARRISON, N.Y. — Section One and the Center for Interscholastic Athletics, in partnership with Southern Westchester BOCES, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rebecca DiSisto-Leslie as Supervisor of Athletics and Physical Education. The appointment was recently approved by the Southern Westchester BOCES Board of Education following a comprehensive search process that included input from a broad range of stakeholders.

DiSisto-Leslie brings 15 years of experience in the Lakeland Central School District, where she has served as a physical education and health teacher, athletic coordinator, assistant athletic director, and most recently, Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics. A Lakeland High School graduate, she has built a distinguished career marked by leadership, collaboration, and a deep commitment to student-athlete development.

A highly respected leader within Section One, DiSisto-Leslie has served as a three-season sport chair, including roles as Section One chair for field hockey and girls lacrosse, and co-chair for girls basketball. She has also contributed to several key committees, including the Section One Alignment and Championship Committees, and has served as a proxy on both the Section One Athletic Council and the NYSPHSAA Central Committee.

In her new role, DiSisto-Leslie will focus on three primary areas: supporting Section One sport chairs; expanding professional learning opportunities for athletic directors, coaches, athletic trainers, and staff; and leading the development of the Section One Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

She will also continue to play a key role in planning and coordinating sectional and regional championship events.

“Rebecca’s experience and perspective will strengthen our ability to support member schools across Section One,” said Executive Director Todd Santabarbara. “This role is designed to expand the resources and guidance we provide to athletic directors, coaches, and sport chairs, and Rebecca’s leadership will help us elevate professional learning, enhance championship experiences, and create new opportunities for student-athlete leadership throughout the section.”

DiSisto-Leslie said the opportunity to broaden her impact and support others across the section was a driving force behind her decision.

“I’m excited to step into a role that allows me to support athletic directors, coaches, sport chairs, and ultimately our student-athletes across all of Section One,” she said. “My focus is on providing meaningful support—whether that’s helping new athletic directors grow into leadership roles, strengthening professional development opportunities, or launching the Section One Student-Athlete Advisory Committee so we can better hear and respond to the voices of our students.”

She added, “Having served as a sport chair in multiple seasons, I understand both the responsibilities and the challenges of those roles. I look forward to helping others succeed and building systems that make it easier for schools to thrive.”

DiSisto-Leslie will officially begin her new role on August 3.

The Center for Interscholastic Athletics, a division of Southern Westchester BOCES, serves 78 high schools in Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties, providing support with the organization and management of athletic programs. Section One is part of the New York  State Public High School Athletic Association Inc., a non-profit organization that provides equitable and safe competition for the students of public, private and parochial member schools.