NASCAR Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

NASCAR has 8 executives leading key functions including strategic operations, technology infrastructure, financial management, organizational coordination, executive leadership, facility development, legal compliance, and venue management.

Committed to advancing the future of motorsports, NASCAR delivers high-octane racing experiences while expanding its global footprint through innovative media, licensing, and fan engagement initiatives.

Leadership Roles at NASCAR

  • Chief Executive Officer - Steve O'Donnell
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Gregory Motto
  • President - Frank Kelleher
  • Senior VP, Facilities Development & President, Nascar Design & Development - Derek Muldowney
  • President, Watkins Glen International - Dawn Burlew Schmidt
  • Vice President, Chief Technology Officer - Chris Gilligan
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff - Nicole Haves
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer - Amanda Oliver
  • Steve O'Donnell - Chief Executive Officer

    Steve O'Donnell, the Chief Executive Officer at NASCAR, directs the overarching strategic vision for the premier American motorsports organization. O'Donnell manages the competitive integrity of the NASCAR Cup Series and other major racing series, ensuring alignment between racing operations and commercial growth. By overseeing the sanctioning of events across the United States and international markets, the Chief Executive Officer drives the expansion of the sport's reach. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine the racing product and enhance fan experiences through digital platforms and broadcast partnerships. Steve O'Donnell maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, balancing the demands of teams, manufacturers, and corporate sponsors. Through rigorous oversight of the racing ecosystem, the Chief Executive Officer secures the organization's position as a global leader in motorsports entertainment and high-performance automotive competition.
    Steve O'Donnell

    Gregory Motto - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Gregory Motto, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at NASCAR, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Motto oversees financial planning, reporting, and risk management, ensuring the stability of the various racing series and business units. By directing the financial operations across the United States, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the growth of motorsports entertainment and related business ventures. This leadership role involves close coordination with other C-suite executives to evaluate investment opportunities in racetracks and media assets. Gregory Motto drives the development of long-term financial models that sustain the organization's market position and support ongoing innovation. Through disciplined fiscal oversight, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources align with the strategic goals of the company, ultimately securing the financial foundation required for continued success in the competitive sports industry.
    Gregory Motto

    Frank Kelleher - President

    Frank Kelleher, the President at NASCAR, leads the day-to-day operations and commercial activities of the organization. Kelleher oversees the execution of the racing schedule, sponsorship programs, and fan engagement strategies that define the sport's market presence. By directing the commercial growth of the NASCAR Cup Series and other racing properties, the President ensures that the organization remains a dominant force in American motorsports. This leadership role involves managing relationships with key stakeholders, including track owners, media partners, and corporate sponsors. Frank Kelleher drives the implementation of initiatives designed to expand the fan base and increase revenue across all platforms. Through the oversight of operational performance and commercial partnerships, the President maintains the organization's status as a premier sports sanctioning body, ensuring that every race event delivers maximum value to fans, partners, and the broader racing community.

    Derek Muldowney - Senior VP, Facilities Development & President, Nascar Design & Development

    Derek Muldowney, the Senior VP, Facilities Development & President, Nascar Design & Development at NASCAR, directs the physical evolution and infrastructure planning of the organization's racing venues. Muldowney oversees the design, construction, and modernization of racetracks to ensure safety, performance, and an enhanced spectator experience. By managing the development of facilities across the United States, the Senior VP, Facilities Development & President, Nascar Design & Development drives the physical growth of the sport's footprint. This role involves coordinating with engineering teams and local stakeholders to implement state-of-the-art track designs and venue amenities. Derek Muldowney maintains a focus on the long-term viability of racing infrastructure, ensuring that all facilities meet the rigorous standards required for high-speed competition. Through the strategic planning and execution of facility projects, the Senior VP, Facilities Development & President, Nascar Design & Development supports the organization's commitment to excellence in motorsports.
    Derek Muldowney

    Dawn Burlew Schmidt - President, Watkins Glen International

    Dawn Burlew Schmidt, the President, Watkins Glen International at NASCAR, manages the operations and strategic direction of the historic racing venue. Schmidt oversees the event calendar, facility maintenance, and fan experience initiatives at the track, ensuring that it remains a premier destination for motorsports. By directing the local operations and regional marketing efforts, the President, Watkins Glen International drives attendance and revenue for the facility. This role involves coordinating with the broader organization to integrate the track's events into the national racing schedule. Dawn Burlew Schmidt maintains a focus on operational excellence and community engagement, ensuring that the venue continues to host world-class racing events. Through the management of venue-specific operations, the President, Watkins Glen International supports the organization's mission to provide high-quality racing experiences and maintain the heritage of the sport at the local and regional level.

    Chris Gilligan - Vice President, Chief Technology Officer

    Chris Gilligan, the Vice President, Chief Technology Officer at NASCAR, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the organization's complex racing operations. Gilligan oversees the development of advanced data analytics, broadcast technology, and the digital ecosystem of NASCAR.com to maximize fan engagement. By integrating cutting-edge software solutions into the race-day experience, the Vice President, Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless connectivity across all sanctioned tracks. This role involves managing the intersection of automotive performance data and consumer-facing digital content, providing real-time insights to millions of viewers. Chris Gilligan drives the modernization of internal systems, supporting the broader business model through scalable cloud architecture and robust cybersecurity measures. Through the implementation of innovative technical strategies, the Vice President, Chief Technology Officer maintains the organization's competitive edge in the rapidly evolving landscape of sports media and digital entertainment.
    Chris Gilligan

    Nicole Haves - Vice President, Chief of Staff

    Nicole Haves, the Vice President, Chief of Staff at NASCAR, coordinates the executive agenda and facilitates cross-departmental alignment across the organization. Haves manages the flow of information between the leadership team and the broader business units, ensuring that strategic initiatives receive proper attention and resources. By overseeing the execution of high-priority projects, the Vice President, Chief of Staff drives operational efficiency and organizational cohesion. This role involves acting as a primary liaison for the Board and senior management, streamlining decision-making processes to support the company's mission. Nicole Haves maintains a focus on internal communication and project management, ensuring that all departments remain synchronized with the overarching goals of the racing series. Through the management of complex workflows and executive priorities, the Vice President, Chief of Staff supports the seamless operation of the organization's diverse business interests and long-term strategic objectives.
    Amanda Oliver, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at NASCAR, manages the legal, regulatory, and compliance framework for the organization. Oliver oversees intellectual property, contract negotiations, and governance matters, ensuring that all business activities adhere to legal standards. By directing the legal strategy for the organization's racing series and media operations, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer protects the company's interests in a complex regulatory environment. This leadership role involves advising the Board and senior management on risk mitigation and legal policy. Amanda Oliver drives the resolution of complex disputes and ensures that all commercial partnerships align with the organization's legal requirements. Through the oversight of legal operations, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer provides the necessary framework for the company to pursue its strategic goals while maintaining compliance and protecting the integrity of the sport.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding NASCAR Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads NASCAR?
    NASCAR is led by Steve O'Donnell (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Gregory Motto (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Frank Kelleher (President).
    Who is part of NASCAR’s executive team?
    The executive team of NASCAR includes leaders such as Steve O'Donnell (Chief Executive Officer), Gregory Motto (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Frank Kelleher (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does NASCAR have?
    NASCAR has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in NASCAR’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of NASCAR includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, Senior VP, Facilities Development & President, Nascar Design & Development, President, Watkins Glen International.