Cardone signs extension to serve as 3C2A Executive Director

SACRAMENTO – Jennifer Cardone began serving as 3C2A Executive Director in 2020 and after successfully leading the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, a major rebranding and other challenges, will continue in the role after signing a four-year contract extension, it was announced by Brent Calvin on July 1, Superintendent/President of College of the Sequoias and Board of Directors Chair.

Cardone, who previously served as the association’s Director of Membership Services for six years, was named Interim Executive Director on January 1, 2020, following the departure of Carlyle Carter. The interim tag was removed in December 2021 following a national search for a permanent Executive Director.

“Jennifer has led our organization through an extremely challenging time, and the 3C2A is a stronger entity now than it was when she assumed the role,” Calvin said. “ Through collaboration with coaches and athletic administrators and a strong commitment to helping our student athletes succeed, Jennifer has developed a framework for success that will benefit the organization for years to come.”

Soon after assuming her new role, Cardone was tasked with leading the 3C2A through the effects of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic which shut down intercollegiate athletics for more than a year. She established a working group to help navigate everything from COVID testing to a return to competition.

Not long after its successful resumption of athletics in Fall 2021, the association began a rebranding effort to establish updated marks, logos and colors. Under Cardone’s leadership, the project soon yielded a name transformation from “CCCAA” to “3C2A”, providing a fresh rebrand that has been well-received throughout the association and across the college athletics landscape.

New challenges in college athletics are arising and Cardone is determined to tackle them head on.

“It’s been a pleasure and an honor to lead the 3C2A as Executive Director and I look forward to continuing,” she said. “I’m fortunate to be surrounded by amazing administrators, coaches and support staff but, more importantly, I’m excited to continue working on behalf of 28,000 student-athletes who have entrusted us with their educational and athletic goals.”