Jenny Carnes

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/ CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
SAN ANTONIO SPORTS

A native of Uvalde, Texas, college basketball lured Carnes to San Antonio in 1995 with a scholarship to the University of the Incarnate Word where she was an All-American for UIW’s nationally ranked basketball team and a member of the tennis team as well. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, specializing in Sports Management. In addition to being named the business school’s “Top Business Management Student” and UIW’s “Student-Athlete of the Year” in 1999, Carnes was inducted into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 2005 Inaugural Class.

Carnes remains rooted to the sports community through her work with San Antonio Sports, as a regular speaker for local university sports management classes and as a student mentor for sports management students. She began working at San Antonio Sports in September of 1999 as an intern.

The majority of her free time is spent chasing after daughters, Evie and Kate and supporting her partner Elizabeth, who is a Hematology/Oncology physician.  In addition to her career in the San Antonio sports community, Jenny has also served as a FIBA Technical Delegate and Commissioner for the International Federation of Basketball throughout the qualification windows for the 2019 World Championship and the 2020 Olympics.  

CIVIC & PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES/RECOGNITIONS

  • Member, Madison Square Presbyterian Church (Activities include Worship & Youth Committee Member)

  • University of Incarnate Word Alumni, Board of Directors (Ex-Officio Member)

  • University of the Incarnate Word Athletic Hall of Fame Member, Inaugural Class of 2005

  • San Antonio’s 40 Under 40, Class of 2007

  • San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame Member, Class of 2010

  • Leadership San Antonio, Class 40 (2015)

  • University of the Incarnate Word Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee (2006 – 2016)

  • San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee (2011 – 2018)

  • San Antonio Hotel & Lodging Association Liaison for San Antonio Sports (2009 – 2015)

  • Toastmasters – CTM (2005)

  • Slam Dunk for Life Volunteer (2009 – 2013)

  • GoGirlGo! San Antonio Volunteer, Program Speaker & Mentor (2007 – 2010)

  • 2004 USOC Media Volunteer, Games of the XXVIII Olympiad

  • 2010 Primesport Hospitality Staff Team Member, Rose Bowl

  • San Antonio Tricentennial Celebration (2018), SA300 Community Service Committee Member

  • FIBA (International Federation of Basketball) Technical Delegate (2017 – 2019)

  • Leadership San Antonio, Steering Committee Class 44 (2019)

  • Girl Scout Troop #1386 Co-Leader (2018 – 2020)

  • 2020 San Antonio Express-News Sportswoman of the Year

  • 2022 – 2023 San Antonio Municipal Golf Association Board of Directors (incoming member)

    CAREER EXPERIENCE

  • Staff, 2002 NCAA Women's Final Four Organizing Committee, August, 2000 – May, 2002

  • Associate Director, 2004 NCAA Final Four Organizing Committee, June, 2002 – May, 2004 

  • Director, 2005 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship, June 2004 – Dec. 2005

  • Executive Director, 2008 NCAA Men’s Final Four Organizing Committee, Jan. 2006 - May 2008

  • Leader, GO Girl Sports Academy Grant Program at Young Women’s Leadership Academy, 2009 - 2010

  • Executive Director, 2010 NCAA Women’s Final Four Organizing Committee, June 2008 – May 2010

  • Director of Event Operations & Bids, San Antonio Sports, June 2010 – 2013

  • Vice President of Events & Bids, San Antonio Sports, January 2014 – January 2016

  • Executive Director, 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four Organizing Committee, January 2016 – September 2018

  • Executive Director, 2021 NCAA Women’s Final Four Organizing Committee, September 2019 - 2021

  • Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, San Antonio Sports, October 2018 - present