(Oct. 18, 2022) San Antonio Sports announced that Elena Wells will serve as executive director of the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee (SALOC) for the 2025 NCAA® Men’s Final Four®, assuming a position held by Jenny Carnes who will become San Antonio Sports President & CEO Jan. 1. Wells currently serves as San Antonio Sports’ vice president of Bids & Events. She was the managing director of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four and 2021 NCAA Women’s Final Four, and associate executive director of the 2008 Men’s Final Four and 2010 Women’s Final Four. Wells will continue to oversee bid efforts to bring future sporting events to San Antonio and maintain a leadership role in facility development. Kristin Libardoni will join the staff as vice president of Events & Operations. Libardoni comes from Northside ISD where she was aquatics coordinator heading up the UIL diving program and working with San Antonio Sports to host large national championships at state-of-the-art Northside Swim Center.
“Elena’s hist
ory and experience helping run this marquee event made her the logical choice to take the reins,” said Jenny Carnes. “Her passion and knowledge will ensure a smooth transition as we get ready to host our fifth Men’s Final Four in 2025.”
Wells joined San Antonio Sports as in intern in 2001 and became assistant executive director of marketing and promotions after graduating from UTSA in 2003. Prior to rejoining SALOC for the 2018 Final Four she spent five years as Marketing Manager for Visit San Antonio. Wells is a graduate of the San Antonio Chamber and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Leadership San Antonio program, Class 44, and a recipient of the San Antonio Business Journal 2021 40 under 40 award.
“As a native of San Antonio, I am proud to continue working with our SALOC partners to showcase our great city as the top destination for the NCAA Final Four,” said Wells. “I’m most excited to carry on the mission of San Antonio Sports to transform the community through the power of sport.”
Libardoni hold
s a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a Coaching minor as well as a master’s degree in Athletic Administration. She has worked in the athletic industry for more than 20 years.
“Kristin is no stranger to our organization and has done a great job hosting championship events in partnership with San Antonio Sports at Northside Swim Center,” said Jenny Carnes. “We are thrilled to add her talents and experience to our team.”
“It’s exciting to come on board with San Antonio Sports,” said Libardoni. “I have admired their mission and the results the organization has provided for our community. It’s an honor to formally join the team and to continue creating events that positively impact our youth and communities.”
The San Antonio Local Organizing Committee is a partnership between San Antonio Sports, Visit San Antonio, the City of San Antonio, UTSA and University of the Incarnate Word. San Antonio has hosted four NCAA Men’s Final Fours (1998, 2004, 2008, 2018) and three Women’s Final Fours (2002, 2010, 2021).
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About San Antonio Sports
San Antonio Sports is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to transform our community through the power of sport. San Antonio Sports bids on and hosts premier sporting events such as NCAA® championships, which have generated a local economic impact of more than one billion dollars. San Antonio Sports’ kids programs, including i play! afterschool, annually provide life-changing opportunities for thousands of children. Additionally, San Antonio Sports serves as a catalyst for the development of quality recreational and athletic facilities in our community, including school parks. To learn more, visit SanAntonioSports.org