Catherine Raiche: Trailblazing NFL Executive Breaking Barriers in Football Operations
Men have long dominated the world of professional football, but in recent years, groundbreaking women have stepped forward to reshape the industry. Among them, Catherine Raiche stands out as a true pioneer. Rising from her roots in Montreal, Canada, Raiche has carved out a remarkable career spanning the Canadian Football League (CFL), the XFL, and the NFL. Today, she serves as the Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Football Operations for the Cleveland Browns, making her one of the highest-ranking women in professional football.
Her journey is a testament to hard work, persistence, and a commitment to excellence. In this article, we’ll explore her career milestones, educational background, leadership style, and personal life, including details on Catherine Raîche Hickman, her family, and her growing influence in the league.
Early Life and Education
Catherine Raiche was born in 1989 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. From an early age, she demonstrated a sharp intellect and ambition that would later define her career. She pursued higher education at the Université de Sherbrooke, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Law (2007–2011) followed by a Master’s in Tax Law (2013–2014).
Before entering football, Raiche began her professional life as a tax and corporate lawyer, working with Gascon & Associates from 2013 to 2015. Though successful in Law, she soon realized her true passion was in sports management and football operations, which led her to pivot toward a career in professional football.
Montreal Alouettes: Breaking Into Football
Raiche’s football career began in 2015 when she joined the Montreal Alouettes as an intern. Her organizational skills and strong work ethic quickly impressed team leaders.
- Coordinator of Football Administration (2016): She handled team logistics, travel arrangements, and training camp organization.
- Assistant General Manager of Football Operations (2017): Within just two years, she rose to a senior role, overseeing budgets, contracts, and staff management.
Her rise in the Alouettes organization made headlines, as she became one of the few women ever to hold such a high-ranking executive position in the CFL.
Toronto Argonauts: Expanding Responsibilities
In 2018, Raiche moved to the Toronto Argonauts, where she served as Director of Football Administration. In this role, she took on greater responsibilities, including:
- Negotiating and drafting player contracts.
- Managing the team’s salary cap.
- Evaluating both professional and college players.
- Handling football operations budgets.
Her success in Toronto further solidified her reputation as a rising star in football operations.
XFL – Tampa Bay Franchise
In early 2019, Raiche transitioned to the XFL’s Tampa Bay franchise as Director of Football Operations. During her six months there, she:
- Participated in the hiring process for coaches and operations staff.
- Oversaw multiple football departments, including equipment, performance, and technology.
- Helped design and prepare practice facilities.
Although her time in the XFL was brief, it provided valuable experience in building a football operation from the ground up.
Philadelphia Eagles: Historic NFL Rise
Later in 2019, Raiche leaped into the NFL, joining the Philadelphia Eagles as a Personnel and Football Operations Coordinator. Her responsibilities included evaluating players, supporting contract negotiations, and assisting in player development programs.
Her hard work led to a groundbreaking promotion in 2021, when she became the Vice President of Football Operations. This achievement made her the highest-ranking female team personnel executive in NFL history at the time. In this role, she worked closely with the Eagles’ General Manager on roster construction, player evaluations, and organizational planning.
Her rise in Philadelphia marked a watershed moment for women in football and inspired countless aspiring professionals.
Cleveland Browns: Assistant GM and VP of Football Operations
In May 2022, Raiche took another career-defining step when she joined the Cleveland Browns as Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Football Operations.
In this position, she:
- Works closely with Browns GM Andrew Berry on roster management and player evaluations.
- Oversees football operations departments, contributing to both short-term decisions and long-term strategies.
- Plays a key role in staff development and scouting.
Now entering her third season with the Browns, Raiche continues to be recognized as a potential future NFL General Manager, a role no woman has yet attained.
Personal Life: Catherine Raiche Hickman
Beyond her professional achievements, Raiche’s journey has also evolved. After years of being known as Catherine Raîche, she is now recognized as Catherine Hickman (née Raîche) following her marriage to Justin Hickman, a scout for the New England Patriots.
In 2022, during her early tenure with the Browns, she gave birth to her first child, Zavier. She has openly spoken about balancing motherhood with the demanding responsibilities of an NFL executive. Her ability to manage both roles has further highlighted her resilience and leadership.
Catherine Raiche Age
Born in 1989, Raiche is currently 36 years old (2025). At such a relatively young age for a football executive, she has already achieved more than many of her peers. Her rapid rise is a strong indication that she could one day lead an NFL franchise as its first female General Manager.
Leadership and Advocacy
Raiche is more than just an executive; she is also an advocate for women in sports. Along with her colleague Ameena Soliman, she co-founded an informal networking platform for women working in the industry. Their goal is to connect and empower women pursuing careers in football and sports management.
Her dedication to mentorship and inclusivity underscores her belief that football should be an accessible and welcoming field for all.
Career Highlights by Team
Montreal Alouettes
- Intern → Coordinator of Football Administration → Assistant General Manager
Toronto Argonauts
- Director of Football Administration, specializing in contracts and salary cap management
XFL – Tampa Bay Franchise
- Director of Football Operations, building organizational structure from scratch
Philadelphia Eagles
- Personnel and Football Operations Coordinator
- Vice President of Football Operations is a historic milestone for women in the NFL
Cleveland Browns
- Assistant GM & Vice President of Football Operations, a key executive role in one of the NFL’s most dynamic front offices
Conclusion
Catherine Raiche is more than a football executive — she is a pioneer, leader, and inspiration. From her beginnings as a lawyer in Montreal to her rise through the CFL, XFL, and NFL, she has shattered barriers and proven that talent and determination know no gender. Now known as Catherine Hickman, she continues to balance her family life with her high-profile career, showing future generations of women that they can thrive in professional sports.
At only 36 years old, Raiche’s story is still unfolding. With her unmatched resume, leadership qualities, and relentless drive, it’s only a matter of time before she breaks yet another barrier — potentially becoming the first female General Manager in NFL history.
