Stacey LaDew was named Commissioner of the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) on June 2, 2023, becoming the league’s second commissioner following the retirement of founding leader Jay Gardiner. She was selected by the SAA Presidents' Council following a national search.
LaDew brings more than a decade of experience in collegiate athletics, including her most recent role as Associate Commissioner and Senior Woman Administrator of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC), where she served from 2019 to 2023. During her time at the HCAC, LaDew chaired the Championships Committee and helped oversee postseason operations across 22 sports. She also played a key role in the HCAC’s rebranding efforts, website development, and awards redesign initiatives.
LaDew's career began in athletic communications, holding positions at Transylvania University, Rhodes College, and SUNY Brockport, where she directed communications efforts for 23 varsity programs. Her leadership extends beyond operations, with a strong focus on student-athlete well-being. She organized a SAAC Leadership Retreat and strengthened the HCAC’s partnership with Indiana Special Olympics to support unified sports events.
A native of Kentucky, LaDew earned her bachelor’s degree in Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication from Transylvania University, where she was also a member of the Pioneers volleyball team. She holds a Master of Science in Athletic Administration from Coker College.
LaDew’s passion for Division III athletics, strategic mindset, and student-first philosophy make her a strong and visionary leader as the SAA enters its next era of growth and competition.