FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (July 22, 2025) — Northern Arizona University Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Uri Farkas has announced several key promotions within the athletics department, all to strengthen the Lumberjacks in the new era of collegiate athletics.
"Our people drive our mission, and these promotions are a direct result of performance, collaboration, and a shared dedication to our core values," Farkas said. "Their growth reflects not only personal achievement, but also the collective progress we are making as a department. We look forward to more opportunities for growth from within NAU Athletics."
At the forefront of these promotions, Beth Vechinski, a proud NAU alumna, has been elevated to Deputy Athletic Director of Internal Operations. Vechinski, who earned her MBA from Northern Arizona and her undergraduate degree from the University of the Pacific, has held a variety of roles within Lumberjack Athletics, contributing her expertise on internal and external operations. Vechinski, who will continue her role as Senior Woman Administrator, has been with NAU Athletics since 2001 and been involved in every facet of the departments rise.
Joining her at the deputy level is Alex Lais, who has been promoted to Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations. Lais came to NAU in 2018 from USC, where he served as a marketing manager. He oversaw the award-winning "Astrojacks" campaign and has driven a transformative fan engagement experience at NAU Athletics, most notably leading a 45.7% increase in ticket revenue during his tenure. This growth was fueled by innovative programming, enhanced game day production, and targeted outreach. Lais holds a bachelor's degree in sport management from Eastern Illinois University and a master's degree in higher education administration from Southeast Missouri State University.
In another personnel move, Syed Moinuddin will assume the newly created role of Senior Associate Athletic Director – General Manager, overseeing the department's expanding revenue share and NIL duties as NAU implements plans related to the House settlement. Moinuddin arrived in Flagstaff in 2013 as Associate Athletic Director for Compliance with previous career stops at University of Oklahoma, University of Houston, University of Tulsa and University of Miami (FL).
NAU Athletics is also proud to announce the promotions of Andy Bourget to Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations, Samantha Friedbauer to Associate Athletic Director for Fan Experience and Revenue Generation, and Taylor Lais to Associate Athletic Director for Development.
Finally, Cindy Santiago, while continuing to support the business office, will now also serve as executive assistant to the vice president for intercollegiate athletics, providing essential support to the department's senior leadership team.
"These individuals represent the best of NAU Athletics," Farkas added. "They have earned these opportunities through their hard work and commitment to our student-athletes, our university, and our community."
