NACDA Appoints Eddie Mitchell as New Vice President
The Cleveland-based organization taps the veteran professional to oversee operations and membership services.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People
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The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics has hired Eddie Mitchell as its new Vice President. Mitchell will join the leadership team to streamline internal operations and improve the membership experience for thousands of administrators.
Why it matters
As the organization enters its 62nd year, this leadership transition aims to modernize database, event registration, and infrastructure systems. The move secures experienced guidance for the group as it supports athletic departments across more than 2,300 institutions.
The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics currently supports 24,000 college athletics administrators across 2,300 institutions. The association manages 19 professional groups in its 62nd year of operation.
The players
Eddie Mitchell
He is the incoming Vice President of NACDA who previously worked at Summit Racing Equipment.
Brian Horning
He is a 31-year veteran of NACDA who is set to retire following the annual convention.
National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics
Headquartered in Cleveland, this professional organization represents thousands of college athletics administrators.
The details
Eddie Mitchell joins the organization after previously working at Summit Racing Equipment and serving as a consultant for NACDA from 2007 to 2013. In his prior role, he was responsible for designing and maintaining the association's server and network infrastructure.
Timeline
Mitchell served as a consultant to NACDA from 2007 to 2013.
Eddie Mitchell begins his duties as Vice President on November 9, 2026.
Brian Horning will retire following the 2027 NACDA & Affiliates Convention in June 2027.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition aligns with the 2027 NACDA & Affiliates Convention, marking a strategic pivot in administrative continuity. By bringing in technology-focused leadership, the association positions itself to compete with other professional entities in the administrative service space.
For member institutions, this change signals a focus on modernized digital infrastructure and more efficient event registration processes. These operational updates are designed to simplify daily administrative tasks for members across the association.
The takeaway
Effective leadership transitions in large member-based associations often prioritize technological modernization to maintain operational efficiency. Members can expect improved digital tools and streamlined communication as the new administration takes hold.
What happens next
Eddie Mitchell will begin his role on November 9, 2026, while Brian Horning is scheduled to retire following the annual convention in June 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest leadership changes in the industry on our People page.
More information
Find further details regarding the association's mission and operations on the NACDA organizational homepage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.
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