Steve O'Donnell

Steve O'Donnell is a leading executive in American motorsports, having spent more than three decades advancing through NASCAR to become the organization's chief executive officer. O'Donnell is the first person outside the founding France family to hold this title in the sport's history.

O'Donnell began his career with NASCAR in the marketing department, progressing through roles such as manager of marketing services, director of racing operations, managing director of racing operations, vice president of racing operations, senior vice president of racing development, and executive vice president and chief racing development officer.

O'Donnell has played a central role in competitive innovations within NASCAR, including the implementation of the NASCAR Playoff System across the top-three series, the introduction of stage racing, and the development of the Next Gen car. As chief operating officer, O'Donnell contributed to the transformation and revitalization of stock car racing, guiding the sport through significant operational and competitive changes.

As president of NASCAR, O'Donnell oversaw day-to-day operations, competition, and commercial business across national, international, and grassroots racing. He managed major investments in content creation and distribution, and played a key role in rules changes, schedule adjustments, and negotiations with teams regarding the charter system. O'Donnell also represented NASCAR during a high-profile antitrust trial brought by team owners, which resulted in a settlement granting teams permanent charters.

Upon being promoted to CEO, O'Donnell became the first non-France family member to lead NASCAR. Under his leadership, the organization has been recognized for its workplace culture, including receiving the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health from Mental Health America, with Gold certification on its first submission. This recognition reflects NASCAR's ongoing commitment to employee well-being and a supportive workplace environment.