NCAA Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

NCAA has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, athlete representation, and medical oversight.

Driven by academic and athletic development, NCAA provides a vital pathway for student-athletes, fostering both educational achievement and competitive excellence across collegiate sports.

Leadership Roles at NCAA

  • President & Uh Student & Advisory Committee Athlete (Saac) - Anna Economon
  • SAAC Co-President - Naomi Alvarez
  • President - McKenzie Didio
  • JMU SAAC Co-President - Julia McNeley
  • President - Luke Dry
  • President - Carmen Sagues
  • Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Co-President - Dillon Croco
  • President - Hannah Rounds
  • Chief of Staff - Cari Klecka
  • Chief Medical Officer, NCAA & Senior VP, Sports Science Institute - Deena Casiero
  • Anna Economon - President & Uh Student & Advisory Committee Athlete (Saac)

    Anna Economon, the President & Uh Student & Advisory Committee Athlete (Saac) at NCAA, champions the voice of student-athletes within the organization's governance structure. Leading the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Economon ensures athlete perspectives inform policy and program development. This critical role involves advocating for the well-being and academic success of student-athletes across NCAA sports. By facilitating dialogue between athletes and leadership, Anna Economon drives initiatives that enhance the collegiate sports experience. The President & Uh Student & Advisory Committee Athlete (Saac) position requires a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing student-athletes, translating these insights into actionable strategies. Economon's leadership ensures that the needs and aspirations of student-athletes remain central to NCAA's mission.

    Naomi Alvarez - SAAC Co-President

    Naomi Alvarez, the SAAC Co-President at NCAA, collaborates to advance the interests and representation of student-athletes. Working alongside other leaders, Alvarez contributes to the strategic direction of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), focusing on initiatives that support athlete development and welfare. This role involves active participation in discussions concerning academic standards, athletic competition, and overall student-athlete well-being. By contributing to SAAC's agenda, Naomi Alvarez helps shape policies that impact collegiate sports. The SAAC Co-President position requires dedication to fostering a positive environment for athletes pursuing both academic and athletic goals. Alvarez's efforts are integral to ensuring the student-athlete perspective is effectively communicated and considered within NCAA operations.

    McKenzie Didio - President

    McKenzie Didio, the President at NCAA, leads strategic initiatives focused on enhancing the collegiate athletic experience. This leadership position involves guiding key programs and fostering collaboration among member institutions to uphold the NCAA's mission. By directing operational priorities, McKenzie Didio ensures the effective delivery of services that support student-athletes' academic and athletic pursuits. The President role requires a forward-thinking approach to address the evolving landscape of college sports. Didio's focus is on driving innovation and maintaining the integrity of competition while prioritizing athlete development. This executive's oversight contributes significantly to the organization's long-term vision and its commitment to providing a pathway for student-athletes.

    Julia McNeley - JMU SAAC Co-President

    Julia McNeley, the JMU SAAC Co-President at NCAA, actively represents student-athletes from James Madison University within the broader NCAA governance framework. Collaborating with fellow SAAC leaders, McNeley contributes to discussions and initiatives aimed at improving the collegiate sports environment for athletes. This role emphasizes advocating for student-athlete welfare, academic success, and fair competition. By participating in committee work, Julia McNeley helps translate athlete concerns into constructive proposals. The JMU SAAC Co-President position requires a strong commitment to leadership and a deep understanding of the student-athlete experience. McNeley's involvement ensures that the specific needs of athletes at member institutions are considered in organizational decision-making.

    Luke Dry - President

    Luke Dry, the President at NCAA, spearheads strategic planning and operational oversight for key organizational functions. This executive role involves driving initiatives that align with the NCAA's commitment to student-athlete development and academic achievement. By managing critical projects, Luke Dry ensures the effective implementation of policies designed to support collegiate sports. The President position demands a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the intercollegiate athletics landscape. Dry's leadership focuses on fostering a positive and competitive environment for student-athletes pursuing higher education. This executive's contributions are vital to advancing the NCAA's mission and its role in shaping the future of college sports.

    Carmen Sagues - President

    Carmen Sagues, the President at NCAA, directs strategic priorities and operational execution across significant organizational divisions. This leadership role is focused on advancing the NCAA's mission to support student-athletes in their academic and athletic endeavors. By overseeing critical programs, Carmen Sagues ensures the effective delivery of resources and opportunities that foster athlete development. The President position requires a keen insight into the dynamics of collegiate sports and a commitment to upholding the integrity of competition. Sagues's leadership emphasizes strategic growth and the continuous improvement of the student-athlete experience. This executive's influence is instrumental in shaping the direction of NCAA initiatives and reinforcing its commitment to educational and athletic excellence.

    Dillon Croco - Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Co-President

    Dillon Croco, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Co-President at NCAA, plays a pivotal role in representing the interests of student-athletes. Collaborating with fellow committee members, Croco contributes to shaping policies and programs that enhance the collegiate sports experience. This position involves advocating for athlete well-being, academic success, and equitable opportunities within NCAA sports. By actively participating in governance discussions, Dillon Croco ensures that the student-athlete perspective is central to decision-making processes. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Co-President role requires strong leadership and a dedication to fostering a supportive environment for athletes. Croco's efforts are essential in bridging communication between student-athletes and NCAA leadership.

    Hannah Rounds - President

    Hannah Rounds, the President at NCAA, leads strategic planning and operational management for critical organizational functions. This executive position is dedicated to advancing the NCAA's core mission of supporting student-athletes in their pursuit of academic and athletic excellence. By overseeing key initiatives, Hannah Rounds ensures the effective implementation of programs designed to foster athlete development and well-being. The President role demands a comprehensive understanding of the intercollegiate athletics landscape and a commitment to upholding the principles of fair competition. Rounds's leadership focuses on driving progress and enhancing the overall collegiate sports experience for student-athletes. This executive's contributions are vital to the NCAA's ongoing efforts to provide a robust pathway for academic and athletic achievement.

    Cari Klecka - Chief of Staff

    Cari Klecka, the Chief of Staff at NCAA, directs strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across the organization. Overseeing key internal projects, Klecka ensures alignment with NCAA's core mission of supporting student-athletes. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental efforts to enhance program delivery and administrative functions. By managing critical workflows, Cari Klecka drives the effective execution of organizational goals. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include facilitating communication between executive leadership and various operational units, ensuring seamless integration of strategic plans into daily activities. This position is pivotal in maintaining the organization's focus on providing a pathway to higher education and athletic competition for student-athletes.

    Deena Casiero - Chief Medical Officer, NCAA & Senior VP, Sports Science Institute

    Deena Casiero, the Chief Medical Officer, NCAA & Senior VP, Sports Science Institute at NCAA, directs the organization's comprehensive approach to sports medicine and athlete health. Leading the Sports Science Institute, Casiero oversees research, policy development, and best practices aimed at safeguarding the physical and mental well-being of student-athletes. This executive position involves collaborating with medical professionals and sports scientists to advance athlete safety and performance. By implementing evidence-based strategies, Deena Casiero enhances the health outcomes for athletes competing in NCAA sports. The Chief Medical Officer, NCAA & Senior VP, Sports Science Institute role is crucial in setting health standards and providing expert guidance on injury prevention, concussion management, and overall wellness. Casiero's expertise drives the institute's commitment to the holistic health of collegiate athletes.
    Deena Casiero

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding NCAA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads NCAA?
    NCAA is led by Anna Economon (President & Uh Student & Advisory Committee Athlete (Saac)), along with executives such as Naomi Alvarez (SAAC Co-President) and McKenzie Didio (President).
    Who is part of NCAA’s executive team?
    The executive team of NCAA includes leaders such as Anna Economon (President & Uh Student & Advisory Committee Athlete (Saac)), Naomi Alvarez (SAAC Co-President), McKenzie Didio (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does NCAA have?
    NCAA has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in NCAA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of NCAA includes roles such as President & Uh Student & Advisory Committee Athlete (Saac), SAAC Co-President, President, JMU SAAC Co-President, President.