In expanded role, she will drive NASEF partnerships, visibility, and program growth

(Atlanta, Georgia – October 3, 2023) – NASEF, the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations, has promoted Claire LaBeaux to the role of Chief Advancement Officer. LaBeaux will spearhead global partnerships in the industry, education, and sports sectors. She will expand and oversee implementation of NASEF’s programs including Beyond the Game Challenges and programs leveraging Minecraft and other educational games. In addition, she will continue to oversee NASEF’s communications and marketing.

LaBeaux has played a vital role in building the acceptance of scholastic esports as an effective means of building personal and career skills in youth. As Director and then Chief of marketing for NASEF, she has been a key leader as NASEF grew from a small regional pilot in 2018 to its current status as the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations (headquartered in the United States with affiliates around the world). Her passion for youth impact is central to her work, and she has helped countless educational leaders and families grasp the benefits of NASEF’s unique blend of play and learning.

Dr. Constance Steinkuehler, Co-Director, Games+Learning+Society (GLS) Center, and Professor of Informatics at University of California, Irvine, is well-regarded for her research and formative work related to games and learning. She said, “Claire LaBeaux’s reputation as an advocate for youth is well-earned and I’m delighted to hear of her new role in NASEF. LaBeaux has been a formative part of the scholastic esports movement since its very inception, working on behalf of students and their families in the games-for-impact space for nearly a decade now. I’m excited to see where this new path takes her and the field.”

“Claire has been an incredible collaborator and communicator. I have had the pleasure of working with her as a NASEF affiliate lead, and she always works to help affiliates and NASEF tell their stories of the impact scholastic esports has on students and educators,” said Kammas Kersch, Director of the Pennsylvania Scholastic Esports League.” 

“Claire is an outstanding advocate for NASEF and scholastic esports as a whole,” said Cory Vincent, Vice President of Marketing at NRG Esports. “She possesses a deep understanding of how to use esports and gaming as educational tools, and she effectively collaborates with organizations like NRG, delivering substantial value to everyone involved. Her enthusiasm for NASEF and their mission is infectious!”

LaBeaux is a communicator and strategist with 20+ years of experience helping non-profits reach their goals by driving involvement and support. Her work spans STEM education and youth leadership organizations including NASEF, SciStarter, Chief Science Officers, STEM Learning Ecosystems, U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program, and others. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications. Outside of work, she is a trusted advisor to The Alliance (serving vulnerable youth and families), Fostering Success and Significance (mentoring former foster youth in pursuit of college degrees), and friend to many women and children at Powerhouse Ministries who have transitioned from addiction and homelessness to enjoyable and productive lives.

In her free time, Claire loves travel and spending time with her family and friends. You’ll often find her riding the trails on her bicycle or paddling on a local waterway on her SUP. She is the proud owner of a vintage Centipede video game which sits in her office and provides occasional entertainment and adrenaline-rushes.

About NASEF

NASEF is on a mission to provide opportunities for all students to use esports as a platform to acquire STEAM-based skills and critical communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in work and in life. NASEF operates under the umbrella of the World Wide Scholastic Esports Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit headquartered in Atlanta, GA. The International Esports Federation has entrusted NASEF with training and supporting its 130+ member federations as they undertake development of scholastic esports programs. Find NASEF at NASEF.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Media Contact: Claire LaBeaux, [email protected]