LAS CRUCES, N.M. – New Mexico State Director of Athletics Mario Moccia wrapped up his two-year presidential term with the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association and passed the torch to Peggy Davis, Director of Athletics at Virginia State University, on June 14 at the annual NACDA Conference.
 
"Mario has been integrally involved in all aspects of MOAA throughout his various leadership positions since 2009-10," said Bob Vecchione, Executive Director of NACDA. "Whether it be sponsorship, membership or his recent two year stint as President, Mario has enhanced each and every task he was assigned along the way and exceeded expectations. MOAA has grown in industry stature, visibility and overall membership participation, due in part to Mario's leadership."
 
During his term, MOAA increased its membership by 70-percent while convention registrants saw a 60-percent uptick. With a demonstrated background in development, Moccia helped increased sponsorships from $3,000 to a whopping $18,000.
 
His relationships with Learfield throughout the years also benefitted the organization greatly with the continuation of the MOAA/Learfield Minority Academy. Moccia's relationship across the country has also helped increase the awareness of MOAA at the NCAA and its top stakeholders.
 
"Under Mario's leadership as President, MOAA has grown in numbers, fiscally and strategically," said MOAA Executive Director Stan Johnson. "His guidance, vision and dedication to the organization has provided us with a blueprint for greater success."
 
Moccia will continue in his role as a member of the Board of the Directors for the John McLendon Minority Scholarship Foundation. The board of directors for the McLendon Foundation is a list of who's who in collegiate athletics, consisting of Lee Reed (Georgetown AD), Greg Bryne (Alabama AD), Gene Smith (Ohio State AD) and Mike Nealy (Fiesta Bowl Executive Bowl).