Susan Hlavacek Named President and CEO of National Senior Games Association

The board of directors at the National Senior Games Association, Inc. has named Susan Hlavacek as president and chief executive officer.

Hlavacek has served as the NSGA’s interim president and chief executive officer since October 2022 and previously held the role of chief operating officer. She is the first woman to lead the organization in its more than 30-year history.

“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.”

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 in executing the 2023 National Senior Games in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in July and the National Senior Games Softball Tournament in Columbus, Ohio, in May 2023.

“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-plus.”

Hlavacek’s Senior Games experience began with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission as the director of sports for the 2013 National Senior Games. Prior to that, Hlavacek was an 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.