Meet the Team
The NIC Staff manages the day-to-day operations of the trade association. They are invested in the future of fraternities and seek to assist you with your needs.
JUDSON HORRAS
President & CEOEmail
Jud leads the operation of the North American Interfraternity Conference and manages the development of the goals, strategies, plans and policies.
BLAINE AYERS
Chief Legislative OfficerEmail
Blaine leads the NIC's government relations efforts. He directs national, state and local advocacy; build upon our invested grassroots network; and foster advocacy relationships across higher education.
CLARK J. BROWN
General CounselEmail
Clark leads NIC’s legal advocacy efforts, maintains NIC’s guiding documents, drafts internal and external policies, and collaborates to provide advocacy and expertise around campus relationship statements and requirements & protocols for student organizations.
JOE BUDDE JR.
Chief Information OfficerEmail
Joe leads the NIC’s development of a data warehouse in partnership with the FFE, NPC and ChapterSpot. He also works with ChapterSpot to create and implement a new web/mobile app, Social Safe, that will give chapters and fraternal communities the tools they need to manage safer social events.
MIKE MCREE
Chief Operating OfficerEmail
Mike focuses on building the infrastructure to support IFCs at the local level, Standards implementation and oversight of NIC’s award-winning educational programs.
TODD SHELTON
Chief Communication OfficerEmail
Todd works to advance the brand of fraternity, creates and implements industry-wide response protocols and resources, and directs the communication strategy for the NIC. He manages all media requests.
MICHAEL WILSON
Chief Financial OfficerEmail
Michael leads the NIC’s accounting, as well as the implementation of a data warehouse. The system will allow members to make data-driven decisions, share best practices and streamline operations.
ASHLEY VANDEWARK
Executive Director, Foundation for Fraternal ExcellenceEmail
Ashley leads the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence in cultivating a culture of care, community and capacity building across interfraternal organizations. In partnership with the FFE Board of Directors, she develops relationships with partners, creates the educational and professional development experience and services and manages membership needs.
WILL FORAN
VP of Campus OperationsEmail
Will helps develop a campus support model to increase alumni, undergraduate and IFC effectiveness. He establishes relationships with campus professionals and NIC stakeholders to coordinate a national education and advocacy strategy.
DYLAN HOWSER
VP of Campus OperationsEmail
Through a unique partnership with the University of California, Berkeley administration and Interfraternity Council (IFC), Dylan facilitates stronger fraternity relationships with Berkeley community residents, provides dedicated IFC support and develops an Alumni IFC to bolster support for all chapters.
HELEN LAHRMAN
VP of Campus OperationsEmail
Helen helps develop a campus support model to increase alumni, undergraduate and IFC effectiveness. She establishes relationships with campus professionals and NIC stakeholders to coordinate a national education and advocacy strategy.
KYLE MARTIN
VP of Campus OperationsEmail
Kyle helps develop a campus support model to increase alumni, undergraduate and IFC effectiveness. He establishes relationships with campus professionals and NIC stakeholders to coordinate a national education and advocacy strategy.
ARCHIE MESSERSMITH-BUNTING
Vice President of Campus Operations, Health and SafetyEmail
Archie leads implementation of the NIC’s health and safety standards, partnering with campuses and fraternities to eliminate alcohol abuse, hazing and sexual assault, among other public health issues on college campuses today. He manages the development and progress of the NIC’s Social Safe pilot program.
ANDREA BENEK
Senior Director of CommunicationEmail
Andrea leads communication strategy for the NIC’s grassroots advocacy and government relations efforts as well as the Health and Safety Initiative. She also collaborates with the team and interfraternal partners to proactively tell the story of the fraternity experience.
VERONICA MOORE
Director of Emerging and Culturally-Based Fraternal InitiativesEmail
Veronica develops educational programs and advocacy initiatives for emerging and culturally-based NIC fraternities. She advance collaborations, resources and services to support the growth and development of organizations in the Fraternity Growth Accelerator.
JACKIE HACKETT
Assistant Director of Education and Leadership DevelopmentEmail
Jackie assists with the development and implementation of NIC educational programs. She works with the NIC education team to select and train program facilitators and ensure the overall quality of NIC programming for students and campuses.
SUSAN SMITH
AccountantEmail
Susan performs the NIC’s daily accounting functions to ensure all databases are current and accurate.
SUE KRAFT-FUSSELL
Assistant to the President & CEOEmail
Sue assists the NIC President and CEO, providing valuable program support for both NIC and FFE members and volunteers.
