NIAA Board Appoints Cate Sgroi Executive Director
Cate Sgroi becomes the seventh person to lead the Nevada organization after contract negotiations with another candidate failed.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in People
The NIAA Board of Control voted unanimously on Friday to name Cate Sgroi as the new executive director. Sgroi, who currently serves as assistant director, is the first woman to hold the position.
Why it matters
The appointment follows the collapse of contract negotiations with the board's initial choice, Dr. Todd Cutler. The board previously designated Sgroi as the first runner-up for the role.
Sgroi becomes the seventh individual to serve as the NIAA executive director in the organization's history. A prior motion to appoint her in September resulted in a 6-6 tie.
The players
Cate Sgroi
She serves as the NIAA assistant director and is now the first woman to lead the organization as executive director.
Dr. Todd Cutler
He was the initial candidate approved by the board for the executive director position before declining the role.
The details
The board conducted an emergency meeting to finalize the leadership selection after Dr. Todd Cutler declined to accept the position. Sgroi will now transition from her current capacity as assistant director to head the association.
Timeline
In September 2026, the board approved Dr. Todd Cutler for the position.
On October 16, 2026, the board unanimously voted to appoint Cate Sgroi.
Market Landscape
This appointment concludes a volatile leadership search cycle for the NIAA that began with a divided board in September. The final decision stabilizes the executive office after the failed negotiation with Dr. Todd Cutler.
The transition to a new executive director ensures that the daily administration of the NIAA continues without further disruption. Member schools and associated staff will now coordinate with Sgroi as she assumes the top leadership role.
The takeaway
The appointment of Sgroi marks a significant milestone as the first woman to lead the NIAA. The board chose to move forward with their runner-up candidate after the primary selection process failed to reach a contractual agreement.
Further reading
For more information on state organizational leadership, see Nevada People.
