NMAA BOARD NAMES DUSTY YOUNG NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The New Mexico Activities Association Board of Directors voted on Thursday to name Dusty Young the next NMAA Executive Director. He will fill the position left by Sally Marquez, who recently announced her retirement. Young will begin his position as NMAA Executive Director on November 1st. He has been in the role of NMAA Associate Director since 2012.
“I am humbled and honored to serve the member schools of our Association,” said Young. “I plan to continue the commitment of providing positive experiences in athletics and activities for the students of New Mexico.”
With a strong background in leadership, Young brings a wealth of experience and passion for education-based athletics to the position. He began working with the NMAA in 2005. During his time with the Association, Young has served in many roles, including Director of Sports for football, baseball, volleyball, and wrestling while also overseeing the activities of esports, chess, and JROTC. He led the NMAA’s marketing and media relations initiatives for many years and currently manages the operations of the NMAA Foundation. On a national level, Young has served on the National Federation of State High School Associations Baseball Rules Committee (2020-2024), the NFHS Football Rules Committee (2013-present) and will begin a term on the NFHS Strategic Planning Committee in January of 2025
Young graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management. He earned his Master’s Degree in Physical Education from UNM in 2014. Young played baseball with the Lobos and signed as an undrafted free agent with the Florida Marlins in 2003. He was a Third Team All-American and First Team Academic All-American his senior season and still holds the school and Mountain West Conference record with a 39-game hitting streak. Young, a New Mexico native, graduated from Albuquerque’s Manzano High School.
Young is the seventh Executive Director in the NMAA’s history. “Young’s leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive,” said Sally Marquez.
