NCAA Leadership Development Staff

DeeDee Merritt, Managing Director

DeeDee Merritt serves as managing director of NCAA leadership development, a position she has held since September 2023. As the department lead, Merritt oversees the promotion, establishment, execution, evaluation and expansion of all NCAA leadership development initiatives and programs, playing a key role in fulfilling the missions of both the NCAA and the leadership development department.

Merritt has been instrumental in asserting her group as a prominent national voice in the area of student-athlete development in intercollegiate athletics. In 2019, Merritt led the department through a comprehensive evaluation process that resulted in the creation of a program pipeline designed to educate and develop student-athletes and those who serve them at all levels of their professional career.

During her tenure, Merritt has overseen the creation and execution of several new transformative programmatic offerings, including Lessons in Management, a curriculum delivered to an all-female cohort of first-time managers; Foundations of Fundraising, an immersive educational opportunity designed to provide women and minorities in-depth education in the field of fundraising; ARISE, a virtual mentoring program for HBCU student-athletes interested in careers in STEM; and Athletes Using Their Power (A4), a virtual program educating student-athletes on how to maximize their voices and platforms. Additionally, she led the creation of the NCAA Leadership Collective, a platform designed to promote inclusive hiring practices within college sports administration and coaching. In 2021, the work of leadership development was featured in Forbes magazine. In 2023, Merritt was named Nike Executive of the Year by Women Leaders in College Sports.

Prior to her promotion to managing director, Merritt spent three years as director of leadership development, and in 2016 began her tenure at the NCAA as an associate director of leadership development Before her transition to the NCAA national office, Merritt held various positions at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, including assistant athletics director, director of special projects, and coordinator of women’s services and advocacy.

Merritt has a Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in business administration from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee.

Merritt is the proud parent of one child, Breanna (32).

Mark Trumbo, Director, Programs and Initiatives 

Mark Trumbo began his role with the NCAA in August 2023 and currently provides direction and support to several leadership development programs and initiatives. Trumbo leads content development and logistical delivery of the Effective Facilitation Workshop, the NCAA and NFL Coaches Academy, Basketball Coaches Academy, and assists in the execution of the Student-Athlete Leadership Forum. He also oversees the annual NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program for 32 young professionals at the NCAA national office. 

Trumbo came to NCAA leadership development from Syracuse University, where he served as an assistant athletics director. Responsible for the creation and implementation of the Office of Student-Athlete Engagement, Trumbo’s programs served over 5,000 participants annually, career outcome reports that averaged over 97% annually for graduating student-athletes and led culture and leadership development for all 20 varsity sports. 

Prior to Syracuse, Trumbo spent five years at Ball State University in the student-athlete support services department where he created the first-ever student-athlete development program, Take Flight. A nationally recognized leader in student-athlete development, Trumbo earned the inaugural Award for Innovation and Impact in Student-Athlete Development from the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A) in 2023. Trumbo’s honors also include the Professional Excellence Award in 2020 from the N4A, and Top 100 Transformational Leaders from John Maxwell in 2017. 

Trumbo has a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Real Estate from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in Sports Administration from Ball State University. 

Trumbo is also published (The Dream Factory) and enjoys spending time outdoors and on the golf course. 

Trumbo resides in McCordsville, IN with his wife, Kristy, and three children: Avery, Grant, and Payton.

Jennifer Beasley, Associate Director, E-Learning

Jennifer joined the NCAA national office in May 2013 and currently serves as an associate director of leadership development. In her role, Jennifer leads the Association’s e-learning programs directing the development of engaging and quality online learning and professional development courses. 

Prior to the NCAA, Jennifer worked at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis last serving as an instructional design consultant within the university’s Center for Teaching and Learning. In her role, she consulted with faculty on instructional topics that included teaching online, designing curriculum and developing learning outcomes. She also directed programming focused on adjunct faculty and graduate teaching assistants.   

Jennifer received a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Education in higher education and student affairs from Indiana University. She is a proud mother of two daughters who attend Indiana (Go Hoosiers!) An active member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, Jennifer volunteers with the organization to create supportive an environment for members to enhance their character and achieve excellence. She is an avid reader and you can often find her attending live music events.

Ashley Jocelyn, Associate Director, Program and Initiatives 

Ashley Jocelyn joined the NCAA leadership development team in September 2022, where she currently serves as an associate director. In her role, she leads the oversight of several key initiatives, including the Emerging Leaders Seminar, Career in Sports Forum, The Above the Rim Summit presented by Invesco QQQ, and the Legacy Lab.

Prior to her position with the leadership development team, Jocelyn was the chief of staff for Louisiana Tech athletics. In this capacity, she collaborated closely with the executive team and the athletics director, focusing on enhancing employee engagement opportunities within the department.

Before her tenure at Louisiana Tech, Jocelyn held the position of student-athlete development fellow at Mississippi State. While her primary responsibilities centered on community engagement and social media, she also played a significant role in the program’s other major initiatives related to life after sports, encompassing leadership, professional, and personal development.

A native of Miami, Jocelyn earned her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, with a double minor in sports administration and mass communication, from the University of Central Florida. As the lead 400-meter sprinter for the UCF women’s track and field team, she was a four-year varsity letter winner. Additionally, during her time at UCF, she completed her master’s degrees in public administration and nonprofit management. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership at Taylor University.

Christal Peterson, Associate Director, Program and Initiatives 

Christal Peterson serves as the associate director for leadership development at the NCAA, where she oversees programs and initiatives that support the educational, career, and professional development of coaches, administrators, and adult learners in intercollegiate athletics. She also manages the NCAA division II opportunity grant program.

Peterson brings more than a decade of experience in student-athlete development, leadership education, and character formation. Prior to joining the NCAA, she served as Assistant Athletic Director for Character Formation at Baylor University, leading a team focused on leadership development, career readiness, community engagement, and personal growth initiatives for student-athletes. She also held leadership positions at the University of Houston and Wheaton College, where she developed and implemented holistic programming centered on leadership, academic success, and community impact.

A former track and field student-athlete at the University of Central Florida (UCF), Peterson began her professional career in student-athlete welfare and development at her alma mater. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and master’s degrees in Sports Business Administration and Business Administration through UCF’s DeVos Sport Business Program. Originally from Hampton, Virginia, she was born in Houston, Texas.

Hilary Osman, Assistant Director, E-Learning

Hilary Osman is an assistant director of leadership development. In her role, she assists with building and supporting infrastructure and processes associated with e-learning and the learning management system. In addition, she also develops and manages the creation of learning content for the membership and national office staff.

In 2015, Hilary graduated with an undergraduate degree in education from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. She began her career working in K-12 education where she taught at schools around Indianapolis. After serving the public-school system for 5 years, she transitioned to adult education with the Goodwill Education Initiative. As a course developer and lead instructor, Hilary developed virtual and hybrid courses for adult learners working towards their high school diploma.  During her time with GEI, she pursued a master’s degree in instructional design with a research focus on contextual e-learning.

Outside of work, Hilary enjoys hiking with her dog, gardening and exploring the city of Indianapolis.

Carrie Shearer, Coordinator

Carrie Shearer, a native of State College, Pennsylvania, spent most of her life as a classically trained dancer with a passion for college athletics. An alumna of the NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program, she returned to the national office as a coordinator of leadership development. In her role, she provides support to departmental and event operations, alumni engagement, the DISC program and brand implementation. 

Before starting as coordinator at the NCAA, Shearer served as the Carolina Panthers 2021 football operations training camp intern. In that role, she was responsible for assisting in the day-to-day operations and logistics of the football club’s training camp at Wofford College and athlete and VIP hospitality.

Other stops in her career have included the University of Pittsburgh and Women Leaders in College Sports.

Shearer is a 2019 graduate of Duquesne with a degree in sports marketing and minor in sports information and media. She participated in the 2020 NFL Women’s Careers in Football Forum and was inducted into the Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy Hall of Fame in December 2021.

Bernard (BJ) Durham Jr., Postgraduate Intern

Bernard (BJ) Durham Jr. joins the NCAA as a Postgraduate Intern in Leadership Development with a passion for supporting the holistic development of student-athletes through leadership, mental health, and career readiness. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Waynesburg University before completing his Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education at North Carolina State University. He is also a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC).

Prior to joining the NCAA, BJ worked as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Sport Performance Clinician, providing individual counseling, mental performance coaching, and psychoeducational programming for adolescents, adults, and athletes. His work included supporting high school, collegiate, and professional athletes while partnering with athletic departments to promote mental wellness, resilience, identity development, and peak performance. BJ also served as an Adjunct Professor in Counselor Education, where he taught and mentored master’s level counseling students as they developed their clinical skills, professional identities, and ethical foundations as future counselors.

BJ’s research focuses on student-athlete development, athletic identity, mental health, leadership, and transitions out of sport. His doctoral dissertation explored the lived experiences of college student-athletes transitioning beyond athletics, with an emphasis on identity development, mental well-being, and career readiness. As a former collegiate basketball student-athlete, he brings both personal and professional insight to his work and is committed to helping student-athletes thrive both during and after their athletic careers.

Originally from Maryland, BJ is passionate about creating opportunities that empower student-athletes to grow as leaders, professionals, and individuals beyond their sport. Through his work at the NCAA, he hopes to help advance innovative leadership and development initiatives that prepare student-athletes for lifelong success. Outside of work, BJ enjoys competing in recreational adult sports leagues, spending time with friends and family, and exploring new restaurants and anything food related.

Sam Easterling, Postgraduate Intern

Sam Easterling joins the NCAA from the University of Louisville, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration. Upon graduation, she received the Sherrill E. Brakmeier Award, presented to an outstanding senior who has demonstrated significant contributions through service to the university, community, and profession. Driven by a passion for learning, Sam also earned minors in Criminal Justice and Name, Image, and Likeness, along with a certificate in Leadership and Talent Development.

During her time at Louisville, Sam interned with the Thorntons Academic Center for Excellence, where she provided academic support and advising for the Women’s Lacrosse, Men’s Golf, and Men’s Soccer programs. She also contributed to the Student-Athlete Leadership and Development department, creating opportunities for student-athletes to grow personally and professionally. These experiences strengthened her love of empowering student-athletes to excel in the classroom and discover their passions beyond competition.

Sam also worked beyond collegiate athletics as an Event Assistant for the Louisville Bats, the Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball. In this role she helped position Louisville Slugger Field as a premier venue for weddings, birthday celebrations, reunions, draft parties, and other special events. She also served as an ADA Officer at three Kentucky Derby’s, ensuring guests could navigate Churchill Downs safely and efficiently. In 2024, Sam had the unique opportunity to work at the UEFA European Championship in Germany, supporting event production and fan engagement for an international audience.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Sam’s parents instilled a love for college athletics at an early age. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, dessert, being with friends and family, watching movies, and reading.