Who is Claire Shipman? Columbia University’s Acting President Engaged to Former Soccer Star Kati Jo Spisak
Columbia University president-to-be starts new chapter in her personal life
New York, Sep 3 (TTP) — Claire Shipman, the Acting President of Columbia University, is engaged to former professional soccer star and coach Kati Jo Spisak, according to a report by Paula Froelich of NewsNation.
The couple first met in 2021 when Shipman was promoting her book The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance — What Women Should Know. At the time, Spisak was working in the front office of a soccer team.
Friends of the pair say they now split their time between New York and Washington, D.C., and plan to marry by the end of the year.
Claire Shipman’s career and personal life
Shipman, 62, is an alumna of Columbia University herself and took over as acting president in March 2025 after Katrina A. Armstrong stepped down. Her appointment came shortly after Columbia and the Donald Trump administration reached an agreement to discuss federal funding.
“I assume this role with a clear understanding of the serious challenges before us,” Shipman said at the time. “I remain committed to reforms, protecting our students, and upholding academic freedom.”
Before her academic leadership role, Shipman built a long career in journalism. She served as:
- Senior correspondent and anchor for ABC’s Good Morning America for 15 years.
- White House correspondent for NBC News.
Shipman was previously married to Jay Carney, Airbnb’s global head of policy and communications and former White House press secretary under President Barack Obama. The two have two children together. Reports suggest Carney, now 60, is also in a committed relationship.
Who is Kati Jo Spisak?
Kati Jo Spisak, 41, has a celebrated background in professional soccer. Highlights include:
- Former goalkeeper for three clubs: Boston Breakers, Saint Louis Athletica, and Washington Freedom.
- Served as head coach of the Washington Spirit Reserves.
- Currently runs her own sports agency.
- A Missouri native, Spisak is widely respected in U.S. women’s soccer circles.
Why it matters
Shipman’s engagement has drawn attention not just for her high-profile role in academia but also for the couple’s prominence in their respective fields — academia and sports.
With Columbia University navigating a critical phase, Shipman’s personal milestone adds a lighter moment to an otherwise intense leadership transition.
Final Take — TheTrendingPeople.com:
Claire Shipman’s engagement to Kati Jo Spisak highlights a new personal chapter for the Columbia University leader. From journalism to academia and now to building a future with her partner, Shipman’s journey reflects both resilience and reinvention.