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.
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.