Seven Questions with NSGA CEO Sue Hlavacek
The National Senior Games Association’s new President & CEO, Sue Hlavacek, is a familiar face with a fresh perspective on getting older adults active and involved in competitive sports.
NSGA President & CEO Sue Hlavacek (right) and Track & Field athlete Lillian Atchley at the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana.
Before stepping into the permanent CEO role last month, Sue spent 10 years leading NSGA’s events and programs, including coordinating all sport competitions for the National Senior Games.
Sue is a seasoned athletics professional – from her start as a player in the first U.S. women’s professional basketball league to serving as a coach, educator and athletic administrator at the high school and collegiate levels before joining the NSGA.
She sees the NSGA as well-positioned to engage more adults ages 50+ in active aging through the competition and camaraderie of the Senior Games. Get to know Sue more in this Q&A!
What first drew you to the NSGA?
I heard about the National Senior Games when the event was coming to my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, in 2013. That was at the time I left college athletics, and I thought working with The Games would be a great opportunity. I met with David Gilbert, CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, and interviewed for a Director of Sports position for The Games. I was offered the position and it seemed like a good fit with my athletic administrator and coaching background. Here I am 10 years later!
What are some of the biggest opportunities you see for the organization moving forward?
People often tell me, “I had no idea something like that existed,” when I talk to them about the Senior Games. We have a huge opportunity to increase our marketing so we’re no longer the best kept secret. By growing awareness of the NSGA nationally, regionally and at the state level, we can get more seniors involved in The Games and reaping the benefits of physical activity and social connections.
Do you have a favorite memory from your six National Senior Games as a staff member?
I have many favorite memories, but the best moments for me are when I see athletes of all different skill levels participating in the events and having a great time doing it! The joy, competitive spirit and camaraderie among the athletes is inspiring to watch.
Tell us one thing you wish more people knew about the NSGA.
It’s a wonderful opportunity for athletes ages 50+, both life-long athletes and newcomers, to continue to stay active and healthy. The Games are especially meaningful for women who grew up pre-Title IX and never had a chance to participate in sports as youth. Now is their chance and the Senior Games are an avenue to get involved.
You played a major role in the selection of Des Moines, Iowa, as the host city for the 2025 National Senior Games. What stood out to you about this community?
The people first and foremost. They are genuine, and I know our athletes will feel warmly welcomed. Des Moines also has great venues and has a compact footprint that’s easy to navigate. I just got back from a site visit to Des Moines with our team, and know that 2025 will be special.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to garden, read and take walks on the trails with my Golden Retriever, Finnegan. I also love going out to different restaurants and trying different foods.
What does it mean to you to be the first woman to serve as NSGA’s President & CEO?
I am honored to have this great opportunity to represent the National Senior Games Association. I’m excited to make a difference!
- Published in News and Events, Staff
National Senior Games Association Names Susan Hlavacek as President & CEO
National Senior Games Association Names Susan Hlavacek as President & CEO
Hlavacek is the first woman to lead the organization
CLEARWATER, FL – The National Senior Games Association, Inc. announced today the appointment of Susan Hlavacek as president & CEO by its board of directors effective Aug. 18, 2023.
Susan Hlavacek, NSGA President & CEO
Hlavacek has served as the NSGA’s interim president & CEO since Oct. 2022 and previously held the role of chief operating officer. She is the first woman to lead the organization in its over 30-year history.
“Sue has shown strong leadership during her decade of service with the NSGA, and we are excited to have her guiding the organization moving forward,” said NSGA Board of Directors Chair Jack Shinnock. “With her deep knowledge and experience in sports management, we believe Sue is the best choice to advance the association’s mission to promote competitive sports, physical fitness and active aging to adults ages 50+.”
The NSGA governs the biennial National Senior Games, the largest qualified multi-sport event in the world which attracts more than 11,000 athletes ages 50 and above.
Hlavacek led the NSGA team to successfully execute the 2023 National Senior Games presented by Humana in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in July and the National Senior Games Softball Tournament in Columbus, Ohio, in May of this year.
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to build on the organization’s successes and get more individuals involved in the Senior Games movement,” said Hlavacek. “Our team is committed to providing a first-class experience for athletes at the National Senior Games and spreading the message of what’s possible when you stay active and live your personal best.”
Hlavacek’s Senior Games experience began with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission as the director of sports for the 2013 National Senior Games presented by Humana, held in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to this, Hlavacek was a professional athlete, coach, educator and athletic administrator at the high school and collegiate levels.
The 2025 National Senior Games will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, with qualifying taking place at 52 NSGA Member Games throughout the United States and Canada in 2024.
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About the National Senior Games Association (NSGA)
The National Senior Games Association, Inc. (NSGA) is a nonprofit corporation that promotes the benefits of competitive sports, physical fitness and active aging to adults ages 50+. NSGA is an Affiliate Organization Council Member of the United States Olympic Paralympic Committee and governs the biennial National Senior Games, the largest qualified multi-sport event in the world for athletes over age 50. The NSGA is comprised of 52 independent Member Games that conduct qualifying competition events. The 2025 National Senior Games will be held in Des Moines, Iowa. For more information, visit NSGA.com and follow @SeniorGames1 on social media.
- Published in News and Events, Press Releases, Staff