Dana Pappas
Dana Pappas was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico and moved to Indiana in the Fall of 2021 to join the staff of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). She began her professional career in July 1997 with the New Mexico Activities Association as the administrative assistant for boys’ sports and officials. After seven years as administrative assistant at the NMAA, Dana was promoted to the position of Commissioner of Officials in 2004 and served in that capacity until July 31, 2021.
On August 1, 2021, Dana assumed the newly created role of Director of Officiating Services for the NFHS in Indianapolis. She describes this position as her “dream job,” where she can advocate for officials nationwide. At the NFHS, Dana serves on the internal Women’s Leadership Team and DEI Team. In addition to her role with the NFHS, she served as Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Sports Officials for the 2022-23 school year, and currently serves as NASO Board Secretary. She also serves as a Board member for Battlefields to Ballfields and is the Board Secretary for Sports Officials Care. Dana received the NFHS Citation for Service to Officiating in 2019 and was inducted into the New Mexico Officials Association Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022.