Bio

Neftali Collazo, was recently named College Associate Dean of Athletics and Special Events, after serving 12 years as the College Director of Special Events and Programs at Suffolk County Community College. Neftali Collazo is an accomplished and integrity driven professional offering over 12 years of success with strong concentration in event management and athletic facility operations. Nef brings with him a comprehensive organizational expertise and attention to detail combined with natural leadership and good humor to create positive, motivated team environments which consistently exceed all expectations.

Neftali Collazo began his athletic career at Stony Brook University where he worked as the Special Events Manager, handling all aspects of athletic, special events coordination and planning for the Stony Brook University Athletic Department. He assisted with facilities and event operations of the Athletic Department for all events that took place in the athletic facilities, this included events held in athletic facilities by non-athletic, on-campus groups and outside organizations. While working in athletics at Stony Brook University he received his Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic Languages in May of 2001 and recently graduated with his Master's of Science in Sports Administration from Adelphi University.

Neftali Collazo joined the St. John's University team as Assistant Athletic Director of Operations in September of 2004. In that role he oversaw Division I game day operations for 11 intercollegiate sports including Madison Square Garden home contests and all external events. Some of his other responsibilities included: developing an ongoing leadership training for employee recognition, motivation and corrective action, tracking and organizing facility projects and new construction. He also organized all applicant data including application processing, interviews and provided information to potential applicants who completed applications for employment. He also developed safety awareness and employment policies handbooks. He was involved in the operations committee for the Big East Swimming and Diving Championship held at Eisenhower Park and the Big East Men's Basketball Championships held at Madison Square Garden.

In 2006, he left the St. John's family and began his new journey with Suffolk County Community College where he has now been for the past 12 years. As the new College Associate Dean of Athletics and Special Events, Neftali Collazo is responsible for the overall management, promotion and operations of the athletic and special events departments. Some of those responsibilities include the overall management of all athletic fields, pool, two theatres, and convention center. He is also responsible for projects including construction, purchasing, policy formation, booking, marketing, finance, food and beverage, advertising, security, maintenance and all related operations. In addition, he will be responsible for the College's intercollegiate athletics and intramurals programs.

He and his wife, Diamela, also a Stony Brook University alum, have four beautiful children: Jason, Mileyna, Anayah and Liana.