After more than 40 years in education, Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) Executive Director Jay Bellar will be retiring in July 2023. Bellar became the ninth executive director in the Association’s history when he joined the NSAA Staff in 2018.

“I am beyond grateful for my time as the executive director of the NSAA,” said Bellar. “I will miss all the great people involved in high school activities and the fantastic work this association does. Making this decision now allows our board to be deliberate in identifying the next executive director.”

Subsequently, NSAA named Jennifer Schwartz, currently NSAA Associate Director, as the interim NSAA Executive Director.

Schwartz brings an abundance of institutional knowledge to the position after serving as a member of the NSAA staff for more than 20 years, including the past four as associate director.

“I am honored to serve as the interim executive director of the NSAA and continue to provide great opportunities for student participants throughout the state of Nebraska,” Schwartz said.

“The NSAA Board of Directors have been focused since the announcement of Mr. Bellar’s retirement to move in a direction that provides the NSAA staff and all NSAA member schools with the best leadership possible,” said NSAA Board of Directors Chairperson Bob Drews.  “Jennifer Schwartz’s experience and knowledge base of the NSAA will accomplish those goals. We are grateful for the fact that she is willing to lead the association into next year and through this period of transition.”

Schwartz will begin her duties as Interim NSAA Executive Director on July 1, 2023, following the retirement of Bellar.