2023 Reed K. Swenson Leadership Award

Reed K. Swenson Leadership Award

Awarded just 10 times in the history of the NJCAA, the Reed K. Swenson Leadership Award is one of the most prestigious honors awarded by the Association. The award seeks to recognize those that have demonstrated superior leadership and achievement in contributing to the advancement of amateur athletics. The honor is named after former NJCAA President Reed K. Swenson (1949-62) who is credited with leading the Association out of turmoil, dissension, and near collapse after World War II. To view a list of past winners, visit: Reed K. Swenson Leadership Award Winners

Bob Vecchione - Chief Executive Officer - Emeritus 

Bob Vecchione retired as Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) on December 31, 2022. He is currently serving the Association as CEO – Emeritus for the next three years. Vecchione took over as CEO of NACDA in July 2011, after serving multiple roles in the organization since 1992.

Prior to taking over as CEO, Vecchione was responsible for orchestrating the growth and management of the Association, both internally and externally. During his tenure, NACDA initiated a multitude of programs that provide value-added benefits to the ever-increasing membership. Vecchione also led the advancement of NACDA's technological capabilities to better serve its constituencies.

The Annual NACDA & Affiliates Convention has tripled in revenue generation for the Association since 1992 and has grown to become the premier meeting place for athletics administrators. The Convention attracts more than 6,500 administrators representing 1,200 institutions and over 300 corporate exhibitors. Additionally, Vecchione created a multi-tiered sponsorship program that has grown to represent in excess of 25 corporations, providing more than $2 million in monies, goods, and services.

Including the National Convention, Vecchione oversaw the planning and execution of five events annually, providing networking and professional development opportunities for NACDA & Affiliates members. They include the NACDA FBS Leadership Summit, held in conjunction with the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship, the NCAA Men's Final Four Pre-Game Reception, the NACDA Spring Symposium, and the NACDA & Affiliates Fall Forum.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, NACDA was unable to host in-person meetings, so a virtual programming series was created and cataloged with more than 300 hours of professional development curriculum available to the membership. In addition, the 2021 NACDA & Affiliates Convention, including the exhibit hall, was held virtually, featuring over 50 individual sessions and meetings that attracted more than 3,000 attendees.

Vecchione is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, the Collegiate Women Sports Awards Presented by Honda, and Delta Dental of Kentucky. He also serves as President of the Michael J. Cleary Northeastern Ohio Chapter of the National Football Foundation and the Treasurer of the McLendon Foundation.

Prior to joining NACDA in 1992, Vecchione served as an assistant athletics director/media relations for the men's athletics department at the University of Minnesota, where he also served as the executive director of the 1992 Twin Cities Final Four Organizing Committee. He also had an 11-year career at National Car Rental and positioned the company as one of the original NCAA corporate partners.

For all 2023 NJCAA Honors and Annual Award Winners, visit: 2022-23 NJCAA Award Winners

For all NJCAA Honors, please visit: NJCAA Honors Home