Northern Arizona University (NAU) has brought in The PICTOR Group, a national athletics leadership and strategy firm, to provide interim leadership for its Lumberjack Athletics program. As part of this move, Tanya Vogel will serve as the department’s interim leader starting March 2.
Vogel is recognized nationally for her experience in athletics administration. She was previously Director of Athletics at George Washington University and most recently worked as Interim Chief Operating Officer for Athletics at UC San Diego. There, she supported the transition to full Division I membership during a period of leadership change. Vogel also served as Senior Associate Athletics Director at NAU from 2012 to 2015.
“NAU Athletics has built strong momentum in recent years, and it was important to engage experienced national leadership to help sustain that trajectory while positioning us for the future,” said President José Luis Cruz Rivera. “The PICTOR Group and Tanya Vogel bring deep expertise in Division I athletics, leadership transitions, and strategic positioning. We are confident in the steady and forward-looking support they will provide during this important period.”
In her interim role, Vogel will collaborate with university leaders, coaches, and staff on several priorities: maintaining competitive and academic progress; supporting student-athlete success; enhancing engagement with donors and partners; ensuring financial sustainability; assessing NAU Athletics’ position within changing NCAA regulations; and preparing for a national search for a permanent Athletics Director.
“NAU Athletics has a strong foundation and tremendous potential,” Vogel said. “I have incredible memories of my time in Flagstaff and am honored to have the opportunity to serve the university at this important moment. I look forward to working alongside the Lumberjack community to build on current momentum and help position the department for continued success.”
The university also announced it will opt into the House settlement starting with the 2026-27 sports seasons.
“Our decision to opt in to the House settlement reflects our confidence in the future of Lumberjack Athletics and our commitment to compete in today’s evolving Division I landscape,” Cruz Rivera said. “We will implement this new framework through an NAU-specific approach grounded in long-term sustainability and student-athlete success, and we are excited to work alongside our fans, alumni, and partners to continue elevating Lumberjack Athletics together.”
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks compete as part of the Big Sky Conference official website), where they have produced distinguished alumni inducted into its Hall of Fame official website. The program has seen significant achievements in cross country and track & field by winning conference championships and national titles among alumni official website. Student-athlete development is promoted through comprehensive support services official website, contributing to frequent placements on Big Sky Conference All-Academic Teams official website. Facilities such as Walkup Skydome and Lumberjack Stadium are notable features of Northern Arizona’s athletic infrastructure official website.
Additional details about NAU’s search for its next permanent Athletics Director are expected later.
