Yanora Wade joined Norfolk State Athletics prior to the 2025-26 academic year as the department's Athletics Business Manager, bringing more than 20 years of experience in business operations, financial management, and organizational leadership across higher education, athletics, and nonprofit organizations.
In her role, Wade oversees the day-to-day business operations of the athletics department, including budget administration, procurement, accounts payable and receivable, travel management, and financial compliance. She assists with budget development and year-end financial reporting while training coaches and staff on business procedures to ensure accountability and adherence to university and NCAA financial protocols.
Before joining Norfolk State, Wade served as Program Director for the First Coast YMCA, where she managed grant-funded programs, supervised staff, oversaw budgeting, and coordinated community programming. Concurrently, she spent eight years with Ground Zero Athletics, directing business operations that included financial management, team travel, sponsorships, event logistics, and game-day operations.
Wade's professional background also includes positions with First Coast Service Options (Blue Cross Blue Shield), where she specialized in Medicare compliance and customer relations, as well as Coppin State University, where she coordinated student programs, campus events, and student organizations. Her diverse experience has equipped her with expertise in financial stewardship, process improvement, event management, and organizational efficiency.
Wade earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Savannah State University. She is committed to fostering efficient business operations that support the success of Norfolk State's student-athletes, coaches, and staff.
