Dana Pappas was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico prior to moving to Indiana in the Fall of 2021 to join the staff of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

She received her Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Spanish from the University of New Mexico in 1997 and a Masters Degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Sport Administration in 2002. She obtained her Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) designation from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association in July 2010.

Dana 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 proudly served in that capacity until July 31, 2021, making her one of the longest tenured Commissioners of Officials in the country. She was promoted to the position of Deputy Director of the NMAA in 2012.

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 is able to advocate for officials nationwide. In addition to her role with the NFHS, she was named Chairperson of the Board of Directors for NASO for the 2022-2023 school year and was inducted into the New Mexico Officials Association Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022.

Dana and her husband, Ed Drangmeister,have been married for four years and currently reside in Lebanon, Indiana.  The couple spend their free time taking road trips to live music and sporting events throughout the Midwest. In addition, Dana loves watching her beloved Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma Sooners as often as she can. She is the daughter of Tom and Jane Pappas of Albuquerque, has one older sister (Michele) and is the honorary aunt to countless amazing kids.