Nebraska Activities Association Names Director Finalists
The board has identified six candidates for the organization's top executive role.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Administration
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The Nebraska School Activities Association, which oversees high school sports, has announced its six finalists for the executive director position. The board of directors will move forward with interviews to select the leader for the statewide organization.
Why it matters
Selecting a new executive director is a critical step in determining the future governance and administration of high school athletic competition across Nebraska.
A group of 6 finalists was officially named to compete for the executive director vacancy. The association manages athletic programming for schools throughout the state.
The players
Nebraska School Activities Association
This organization governs high school sports and sets the rules for athletic competition across the state of Nebraska.
Mike Brockhaus
He is one of the six named finalists for the executive director position at the Nebraska School Activities Association.
Chad Denker
He is one of the six named finalists for the executive director position at the Nebraska School Activities Association.
Dade Mcdonald
He is one of the six named finalists for the executive director position at the Nebraska School Activities Association.
Josh McDowell
He is one of the six named finalists for the executive director position at the Nebraska School Activities Association.
The details
The board of directors is leading the search process and has scheduled formal interviews to evaluate the candidates. These individuals were chosen to lead the agency that sets the rules and structures for high school sports throughout Nebraska.
Timeline
Interviews for the six finalists are scheduled for November 18, 2026.
The board of directors expects to approve a new contract on December 10, 2026.
Culture Shift
The search for new leadership follows the governance protocols outlined in the Nebraska School Activities Association Constitution. The transition marks a pivotal moment for the organization as it aligns its executive management with the evolving standards for state-level athletic oversight.
The choice of a new executive director will influence the daily operations and policy decisions that affect thousands of student-athletes in Nebraska. Families and school administrators should expect changes in sports administration and oversight following the board's final approval in December.
The takeaway
The selection process highlights the importance of institutional leadership in maintaining consistent standards for interscholastic sports. Residents can anticipate a new direction for the association once the board formalizes the executive director hire in December.
What happens next
The six finalists will undergo interviews on November 18, 2026, followed by a scheduled board vote to approve a new contract on December 10, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the regulatory and organizational structure of state programs, visit the Nebraska Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KLKN-TV.
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