CAA Names Former NFL Executive Dasha Smith as New COO

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) announced that Dasha Smith, who most recently served as the NFL’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer, is joining the firm as chief operating officer.

During her tenure at the NFL, Smith was a top deputy to Commissioner Roger Goodell and a member of the league’s Executive Operating Committee, where she helped shape policies ranging from salary‑cap structures to other league‑wide initiatives.

In her new role at CAA, Smith will oversee the agency’s operational functions, including talent acquisition, internal coordination, and the day‑to‑day logistics that keep the firm’s roster of actors, athletes and creators running smoothly.

Industry observers note that Smith’s experience in the high‑stakes, data‑driven environment of professional football could bring a fresh strategic perspective to the talent‑representation business, reinforcing CAA’s reputation for sophisticated deal‑making.

Colleagues have already joked that Smith might start issuing “off‑side” penalties for missed deadlines, complete with a yellow‑card warning and a public apology—an amusing nod to her football background.

The agency’s leadership says Smith’s appointment underscores CAA’s commitment to blending entertainment expertise with rigorous operational discipline as it continues to expand its global footprint.