Jason Horn Named Commissioner of the Red River Athletic Conference
A leader who believes in teamwork, big ideas, and fresh energy.
WACO, Texas (July 1, 2026) – The Red River Athletic Conference, led by RRAC Council of Presidents Chair Dr. Ryan Tipton, announced the appointment of Jason Horn as its next commissioner, making him just the second commissioner in the conference's 28-year history.
Horn succeeds longtime commissioner Tony Stigliano, who has led the conference since its founding in 1998 and helped establish the RRAC as one of the premier conferences in the NAIA.
A veteran athletics administrator with extensive experience in collegiate athletics, conference administration, sports marketing, and event management, Horn has served as commissioner of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association for the past two years. Before joining the MIAA, Horn served as assistant vice president and director of athletics at Florida Memorial University and as assistant vice president of student affairs and director of athletics and recreation at Xavier University of Louisiana, guiding both departments through periods of growth, competitive success, and increased visibility.
Horn's connection to the RRAC dates to his tenure at Xavier, where he guided the school's move to the conference in 2021. Xavier quickly emerged as one of the RRAC's most competitive and successful member institutions.
"On behalf of the Red River Athletic Conference Council of Presidents, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Tony Stigliano for his remarkable 28 years of dedicated leadership and service to the RRAC," says Dr. Tipton, president and Chief Executive Officer at the University of the Southwest (N.M.). "His vision, integrity, and unwavering commitment have helped shape the conference into what it is today, and his legacy will continue to benefit our member institutions for years to come.
"As we honor Tony's extraordinary career, we are equally excited to welcome Jason Horn as our next commissioner. Jason brings a strong commitment to student-athlete success and the future of intercollegiate athletics, and we look forward to partnering with him as we begin an exciting new chapter for the Red River Athletic Conference."
Horn brings a distinguished record of leadership and achievement to the RRAC. His honors include:
NAIA National Athletic Director of the Year
NACDA Athletic Director of the Year
Three-time Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year (now HBCUAC)
He has served on various local and national boards, including:
President of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference
President of the NAIA Athletic Directors Association (NAIA-ADA)
NAIA National Administrative Council
Board member of the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA)
Board member of the New Orleans Sports Foundation
Orange Bowl Committee member
"I am excited to join the Red River and work to elevate the entire experience – from the energy around our championships to the day-to-day support we provide our student-athletes, coaches, and administrators," says Horn. "Conferences should be competitive, connected, and fun. We're going to build tournaments that feel like events, create moments our campuses can rally around, and bring a spark to everything we do. The Red River has great momentum, and I am ready to add a little Detroit hustle to the mix."
Throughout his career, Horn has held positions with a variety of prominent organizations, including the Detroit Pistons, the NBA Development League (now the NBA G League), both the Winter and Summer Olympic Games, and several NCAA Division I institutions and conferences.
A native of Detroit, Horn earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan.
Horn will begin his duties as RRAC commissioner officially in July and will determine the relocation of the conference office.
What They're Saying about Jason Horn
Jim Carr, NAIA President & CEO
"I am so excited to welcome Jason back into the NAIA family. The Red River and its members will benefit from Jason's creative thinking, ability to bring people together, and his passion for the student-athlete. During a time when higher education and intercollegiate athletics are both undergoing dramatic change, Jason is the right leader to stabilize the conference and position it for future growth."
Eric Ward, Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Commissioner
"I am excited to have Jason back in the NAIA as commissioner of the Red River Athletic Conference. As a fellow conference commissioner with the MIAA in the Michigan-Indiana-Ohio footprint, Jason and I have had several great conversations over the past couple of years. I know that Jason will bring energy, resiliency, and innovation to his leadership role with the RRAC, and I look forward to working with him as he sets a new course for the RRAC."
Lucas Morgan, LSU Shreveport Athletic Director
"We are excited to welcome Jason Horn as the next Commissioner of the Red River Athletic Conference "Jason is a proven leader with a strong vision and a commitment to serving our student-athletes and member institutions. His collaborative leadership, innovative mindset, and passion for excellence make him the ideal person to lead the RRAC into its next chapter.
"As a conference, we are committed to raising the standard in every area to include championship success, the student-athlete experience, as well as gaining national recognition for our institutions. Under Jason's leadership, I am confident we will continue to build momentum and position the RRAC as one of the top conferences in the NAIA. I look forward to working alongside Jason as we pursue that vision together."
Nick Strah, National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Vice President
"I am very excited for the NAIA to regain such an impactful individual in Jason Horn. Working alongside him previously during his time as an NAIA-ADA Officer and Past President, I know that Jason's servant leadership and forward-thinking mindset will undoubtedly drive more success for the Red River Athletic Conference and its member institutions."
Stan Johnson – MOAA, Executive Director Emeritus
"Congratulations to the Red River Athletic Conference for selecting Jason Horn as its next Commissioner. Jason's leadership is grounded in service, with years spent investing in this industry to open doors for student‑athletes, his peers, and the people around him. The Red River isn't just getting a commissioner — they're getting someone who shows up for people and leads in a way that brings others along. I'm proud of him and excited for what's ahead."
About the Red River Athletic Conference
Founded in 1998, the RRAC is a member of the NAIA and is committed to promoting competitive excellence, academic achievement, character development, and sportsmanship throughout intercollegiate athletics. RRAC members, based in Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico, compete in 16 championship sports.