NATIONAL STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2026 ELECTION RESULTS

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) announces the results of the 2026 NSCA Elections, as selected by NSCA Members. Nominated for their dedication and contributions to the NSCA and professional community, these elected leaders will help strengthen the organization, support NSCA Members, and advance the strength and conditioning profession.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President-Elect
Jay Dawes, PhD, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D, TSAC-F,*D, FNSCA

Educational/Institutional Strength & Conditioning Professional
Antonio Squillante, PhD, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D, RSCC*D

Board Member
Rodney Gaines, PhD, CSCS,*D, RSCC*E

Sports Medicine Professional
Benjamin Reuter, PhD, ATC, CSCS,*D

NOMINATION COMMITTEE
Tim Suchomel, PhD, CPSS,*D, CSCS,*D, RSCC*D, FNSCA

Dr. Jay Dawes is a Professor of Applied Exercise Science at Oklahoma State University with nearly 25 years of experience in human performance. His background includes roles as an athletic performance coordinator, strength and conditioning coach, personal trainer, and educator. Over his career, Dr. Dawes has worked with a broad spectrum of populations, including collegiate and professional athletes and tactical professionals such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, and military personnel. He also provides ongoing sports science support and education to elite teams and tactical units, with a focus on enhancing operational readiness and mitigating injury risk. His research centers on optimizing health, fitness, and performance outcomes in tactical athletes, first responders, and traditional sport populations. Dr. Dawes has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, textbooks, and educational materials in strength and conditioning, human performance, and tactical readiness. His work emphasizes evidence-based training strategies, practical application, and research translation in real-world performance settings.

Dr. Antonio Squillante is an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and earned his PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Southern California. With nearly two decades of experience as a strength and conditioning coach, Dr. Squillante has worked across collegiate athletics and professional sport in both Europe and North America. His background in applied practice and research has shaped his approach to teaching, striking a unique balance between theory and practice. In addition to his academic and applied work, Dr. Squillante is a published author and highly sought-after international speaker and lecturer. Since 2023, he has served on the NSCA Board of Directors, contributing to the organization’s strategic growth and global impact. His international involvement has played a key role in expanding the NSCA’s reach, supporting global affiliates, and coordinating continuing education initiatives across both established and emerging chapters.

Dr. Rodney Gaines has been an NSCA Member for more than 25 years and CSCS-certified since 1997. He recently joined the staff of Valdosta State University and previously served as a Collegiate Associate Professor at Virginia Tech. He also chairs the NSCA Health and Wellness Special Interest Group. Dr. Gaines served two terms as NSCA Virginia State Director, was NSCA MidAtlantic Regional Director, and served on the NSCA Board of Directors from 2010 to 2013. He has served as a lead instructor for CSCS and NSCA-CPT Exam Prep Live Clinics. Dr. Gaines has held university governance roles, including two terms as Faculty Senate President at Virginia State University. He has competed in more than 100 bodybuilding shows, was elected to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Strength Sports Hall of Fame, and was selected as AAU National Director for Bodybuilding and Fitness. He has taught for 24 years, held dual appointments throughout his career, and started strength and conditioning programs at Norfolk State University and Virginia State University.

Dr. Ben Reuter is an Associate Professor in the Department of Exercise Health and Sport Sciences at Pennsylvania Western University California. He earned his Master’s degree, with an emphasis in Athletic Training, from Old Dominion University and his Doctorate in Exercise Physiology from Auburn University. Dr. Reuter was the 2020 NSCA Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Professional of the Year and serves as Associate Editor-in-Chief of the Strength and Conditioning Journal (SCJ) and editor for the SCJ podcast. He currently serves on NSCA’s Membership Committee and Awards and Honors Committee. His previous service includes the executive committee of the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Special Interest Group, now the Sports Medicine/Return to Performance Special Interest Group. He also served as editor of the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation column for the SCJ. Dr. Reuter has co-authored several chapters in NSCA textbooks and served as editor for the first and second editions of Developing Endurance in NSCA’s Sport Performance Series.

Dr. Tim Suchomel is an Associate Professor and Director of the Sports Science Master’s Program at the University of Pittsburgh. He has worked as a strength and conditioning coach and sport scientist and has been active in the field for more than 15 years. Dr. Suchomel has served the NSCA as a State/Provincial Director, Special Interest Group Chair and Executive Council Member, Research Committee member, Senior Associate Editor, Associate Editor, and reviewer for NSCA journals. He has also served as Guest Editor for the Strength and Conditioning Journal special issue “Performance and Sport Science,” a Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Spotlight presenter, and Foundations of Coaching Lifts Instructor. His research focuses on strength and power development and athlete monitoring to improve athlete performance and program design. Dr. Suchomel has published two books, 13 book chapters, and more than 125 research articles and was recognized by the NSCA as the 2022 Terry J. Housh Outstanding Young Investigator and 2025 Educator of the Year.

Election results were formally announced tonight, July 10, at the 2026 NSCA National Conference Awards Banquet in New Orleans, LA.

Media Note: To schedule an interview with election winners, please contact marketing@nsca.com.

About the National Strength & Conditioning Association

Founded in 1978, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an educational nonprofit dedicated to advancing strength and conditioning and sport science professions around the world. The NSCA empowers a community of professionals by disseminating evidence-based knowledge and its practical application through industry-leading certifications, peer-reviewed research journals, career development services, and continuing education. The NSCA community is composed of more than 60,000 certified professionals and members worldwide who further industry standards as researchers, educators, strength and conditioning coaches, performance and sport scientists, personal trainers, tactical professionals, and other related roles.