NMAA executive director Sally Marquez announces retirement

New Mexico Activities Association executive director Sally Marquez is retiring, she announced on Thursday.

Marquez served as the NMAA's executive director from 2012-24. She began her career at the NMAA in 2004 as associate director and was promoted to assistant executive director in 2011. During her tenure, Marquez oversaw the additions of girls' wrestling, powerlifting and esports to New Mexico's high school ranks.

Marquez was named president of the National Federation of State High School Associations for the 2022-2023 academic year. A New Mexico alumnus, she was presented with the Bernard S. Rodey Award by the UNM Alumni Association in February of this year, awarded to "an individual whose leadership efforts have contributed significantly to the field of education."

She will vacate her position with the NMAA at the end of October, upon which NMAA associate director Dusty Young will be promoted in her place. Young has been with the NMAA since 2005.

“It has been my honor to serve the schools and students of New Mexico, but it is time to step away,” Marquez said in an NMAA press release. "Serving as the Executive Director of the NMAA has been the greatest honor of my career.

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside passionate educators, coaches, and students. As I prepare to enter this new chapter, I look forward to watching the continued growth and success of high school athletics and activities in New Mexico.”

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: NMAA executive director Sally Marquez announces retirement