STEVENS POINT, Wis. – Stephanie Hauser, executive director of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA), has been elected president-elect of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Board of Directors for 2026–27.

Hauser will become president of the NFHS Board of Directors in 2027–28. She has served as the Section 4 representative on the Board of Directors since 2024–25. The function of the NFHS Board of Directors is to set the direction for the future of interscholastic sports and activities by assisting those who oversee these programs, building awareness and support, and improving the participation experience.

Hauser began her role as the executive director of the WIAA in July 2021 after serving as an assistant director at the association from 2015 to 2021. In addition to overseeing administrative operations for the WIAA, her responsibilities include classifications, membership, elections, contracts, legislative and legal matters, and the WIAA Foundation.

During her time as an assistant director, Hauser oversaw the sports of gymnastics, softball and volleyball, as well as track & field and cross country during her first two years. She was also responsible for overseeing the Coaches Advisory Committee, coach conduct and conference realignment.

In addition to serving on the NFHS Board of Directors, Hauser has held several other national leadership roles. She has served on the NFHS Gymnastics Rules Committee, including as chair in 2023–24. Hauser also serves on the national group’s Education Committee, a role she has held since 2023, and previously served on the NFHS Student Services Committee. Additionally, she presented workshops at the 2016, 2018 and 2024 Summer Meetings.

Hauser will become the fourth woman in the history of the NFHS to serve as president of the Board of Directors, and only the second executive director from the WIAA to do so. Doug Chickering served as president in 1992–93.

She has been inducted into two halls of fame: the Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association and the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association. Hauser was also the recipient of the inaugural USA TODAY Studio X Trailblazer Award in 2025, and she was selected as the distinguished alumna to deliver the 2026 commencement address at her alma mater, Antigo High School.

The WIAA, as defined by its Constitution, is a private, voluntary, unincorporated and nonprofit organization. Its membership oversees interscholastic athletic programs for 514 senior high schools and 39 junior high/middle level schools.

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