Contact Us: Phone: 321-972-1803 | Mail: PO Box 620755, Orlando, Florida 32862 | X / Twitter: @D2SSC | Instagram: D2SSC
Chris Graham
Commissioner
E: cgraham@sunshinestateconference.com
Graham was named Commissioner of the Sunshine State Conference in April 2025, bringing more than 30 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics leadership to the helm of NCAA Division II's most successful conference.
Graham arrives at the SSC following an impactful 11-year tenure as Commissioner of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), where he led the league to historic growth and competitive distinction. Under his leadership, the RMAC expanded to 15 member institutions, added three new championship sports—including men's and women's lacrosse—and became the first Division II conference to adopt women's wrestling as a championship sport.
A nationally respected voice in college athletics, Graham has served in multiple NCAA governance roles, including Chair of the Division II Management Council and member of the NCAA Board of Governors. His committee service spans areas vital to the student-athlete experience and the future of the NCAA, including Planning and Finance, Mental Health, Championships, and Rules. He was a key contributor during the COVID-19 pandemic response and helped shape the adoption of the NCAA's new constitution.
Throughout his career, Graham has been a passionate advocate for student-athlete well-being, emphasizing mental health, safety protocols, and championship enhancements. He is also a leader in officiating reform, serving on the Collegiate Commissioners Officiating Working Group.
Graham's appointment to the SSC was praised by conference leadership as a visionary step forward. "Chris brings to this role three decades of experience... and a strong commitment to the mission and values of the SSC," noted Dr. James J. Annarelli, Eckerd College President and Chair of the SSC Presidents Council. Before his time at the RMAC, he held administrative roles at the conference and campus levels, building a comprehensive understanding of the intercollegiate athletics landscape.
Graham holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Ripon College. A native of the Midwest, Graham and his wife, Penny, are the proud parents of three daughters—Alaina, Sydney, and Nora.
Maryanne Simkulak
Senior Associate Commissioner/SWA
E: msimkulak@sunshinestateconference.com
Maryanne Simkulak is in her 17th year with the Sunshine State Conference (SSC). Hired in January 2010 as Assistant Commissioner for Membership Services and named Senior Woman Administrator in July 2013, she was promoted to Senior Associate Commissioner in 2018.
Simkulak oversees the conference's NCAA rules compliance program, the league's 15 championships including revenue generation with local sports commissions, and liaison with SSC Athletics Directors Council, Senior Woman Administrators, Compliance Coordinators, Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Athletic Trainers, and all coaches groups. She also coordinates all SSC special events such as the Hall of Fame, Professional Women in College Sports seminar and SSC Leadership Weekend. Her daily compliance responsibilities include rule interpretations, eligibility review, coordination of the National Letter of Intent and evaluating medical hardship requests. She also has responsibilities related to the conference budget with monthly reconciliation, participation in quarterly financial reviews and NCAA grant reporting.
She has served on NCAA Regional Advisory Committees and was a member of the Board of Directors for the Collegiate Women's Lacrosse Officiating Association (CWLOA) for four years. She is a current member of Women Leaders in College Sports (formerly NACWAA), NACDA, and Division II Conference Commissioners Association of Compliance Administrators.
Simkulak came to the SSC following six years at Barry University where she progressed from Graduate Assistant to Assistant Director of Athletics. Her responsibilities at Barry included compliance, special events, SAAC advisory, NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills program, serving as game administrator and oversight of the vans and golf carts for the athletic department.
Simkulak earned a Masters of Science degree in Sports Management from Barry University. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management from Lynn University. Simkulak played for the Fighting Knights women's soccer team and worked part-time in the athletic department in sports information and athletic administration.
Simkulak resides in Orlando with her husband, Brian, and children Brittany, Destiny, Sydney and Sebastian.
Eric Danner
Assistant Commissioner for Strategic Communications
E: edanner@sunshinestateconference.com
Danner joined the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) in July of 2026 as Assistant Commissioner for Strategic Communications, bringing extensive experience in collegiate athletics communications, broadcasting, administration and digital media.
Danner oversees the conference's strategic communications efforts, including media communications, social media, digital content, statistics, record books, awards programs, and the promotion of the SSC's sports. He also serves as the primary communications contact for the conference and works closely with member institutions to enhance the visibility of student-athletes, coaches, and programs.
Prior to joining the SSC, Danner was with the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), where he served as Associate Commissioner for Communications. During his tenure, he led the conference's communications strategy, coordinated social media initiatives and oversaw conference branding and storytelling. He directed the WAC Digital Network, later serving as conference liaison with ESPN. In 2025, Danner received first place for Outstanding Live Game Production for a Collegiate Conference by the SVG College Sports Awards as Executive Producer of the WAC Volleyball championship match.
Before his time with the WAC, Danner worked with the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), serving in several communication leadership roles, including Associate Commissioner. He directed media relations, managed conference championships, supervised awards and statistics programs, produced the conference's annual Hall of Fame ceremonies and played an integral role in expanding the RMAC's digital and broadcast initiatives.
A longtime advocate for Division II athletics, Danner is passionate about telling the stories of student-athletes and creating meaningful opportunities to celebrate academic, athletic, and community excellence.
Danner and his wife, Wendy are the proud parents of Mara, Morgan and Dillon.
Andrew Blardonis
Director of Championships and Operations
E: ablardonis@sunshinestateconference.com
Blardonis joined the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) in July of 2026. As the Director of Championships and Operations, he oversees the preparation and administration of SSC championships and officiating programs, assists with conference financial operations, and serves as advisor to the SSC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He also supports the promotion and marketing of conference programs and student-athletes through social media, graphics, video, and digital content initiatives.
Blardonis came to the SSC from Ohio University, where he served as Assistant Coordinator of Internal Operations. His responsibilities included coordinating the annual student-athlete feedback process, preparing monthly budget and expense reports, and assisting with the planning and stewardship of premium hospitality spaces. He also served as the primary liaison to the institution's Hall of Fame Committee, leading nominee research, managing the selection process, and coordinating all logistics of the induction festivities. Prior to Ohio, Blardonis worked for the Allstate Sugar Bowl and previously held roles with the Orange Bowl Committee, JCC Maccabi Games, and Just Play Sports Solutions.
Blardonis earned a Master of Science in Sports Administration, a Master of Business Administration, and a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics from Ohio University. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from the University of Florida. While at Florida, Blardonis served as a student equipment manager for the Gator Baseball team, including during their 2023 College World Series runner-up season.
A native of South Florida, Blardonis now resides in the Orlando area.
A.J. Vazquez
Communications and Media Contractor
E: ajvazquez@sunshinestateconference.com
Sunshine State Conference President of SSC President's Council
Dr. Barry Butler (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University)
SSC Coordinators of Officials
Josh Miller - Baseball
Nolan Padgett, Sr. - Men's Basketball
Tasha Smith - Women's Basketball
Chris Penso - Men's and Women's Soccer
Softball
Rebecca Carstenson - Volleyball
Bob Pradella - Men's Lacrosse
Colleen Spiegelhoff - Women's Lacrosse
SSC Contact Information
Sunshine State Conference
PO Box 620755
Orlando, Florida 32862
Phone: 321-972-1803