The National Institute for Play Appoints Mia Sundstrom as Chief Executive Officer
Third-generation leader advances the Institute’s mission at a pivotal moment for human development, well-being, and organizational performance
Carmel Valley, CA — January 5, 2026 — The National Institute for Play (NIFPlay) today announced the appointment of Mia Sundstrom as Chief Executive Officer. Sundstrom succeeds Tom Norquist, who served as President and will continue his leadership role as Chairman of the Board.
Founded by Dr. Stuart Brown, NIFPlay is internationally recognized as a leading authority on the neuroscience of play, advancing research and translating evidence demonstrating that play functions as a biological necessity for learning, emotional regulation, creativity, resilience, and social connection across the lifespan.
Sundstrom brings a distinctive blend of professional experience, lived insight, and generational continuity to the role. As the granddaughter of Dr. Brown, she has been immersed from an early age in play-based learning and the research that underpins the field. As Director of Play Transformation at NIFPlay, Sundstrom worked with organizations and individuals worldwide to translate play science into practical tools for well-being, leadership, and performance. A former NCAA Division I gymnast, team captain, and coach at the University of Denver, she holds a BA in Business Information & Analytics and an MA in Public Policy, and is a frequent speaker and facilitator on the role of play and character in human development.
“Play is not a luxury or a break from learning — it is how the brain learns best,” said Dr. Stuart Brown. “Mia understands this not only intellectually, but experientially. She has the judgment, integrity, and deep passion to steward the Institute’s mission forward at a time when the world urgently needs play to help sustain healthy brains, relationships, and societies.”
Tom Norquist also expressed continuity and confidence in the leadership transition. “Mia brings a rare combination of respect for science, intense commitment, and practical leadership,” Norquist said. “I’m pleased to continue supporting the Institute’s pivotal work as Chair.”
“As we face rapidly changing technology, anxiety, disconnection, and burnout across all ages, the science of play has never been more relevant,” said Mia Sundstrom, CEO of NIFPlay. “I’m deeply grateful to Tom, Stuart, and the NIFPlay team for the trust they’ve placed in me. The Institute has built an extraordinary foundation of research and credibility, and my focus is on ensuring that this knowledge continues to move from insight to action — informing education, health, work, sports, and culture in meaningful, measurable ways.”
Under Sundstrom’s leadership, NIFPlay will focus on expanding the global reach and practical application of play science — deepening partnerships with organizations worldwide, advancing research and field-building initiatives, and developing evidence-based tools, learning experiences, and convenings that bring researchers, practitioners, and institutions together to integrate play into education, health, work, and culture. The Institute will also continue to elevate play science through tailored presentations, storytelling, and public discourse, ensuring its relevance in an era of rapid technological and social change.
More information about Sundstrom’s speaking and professional background is available here.
Media Contact:
Lauren Brown Sundstrom
National Institute for Play
📞 303-748-6500
✉️ lauren@nifplay.org
More about the National Institute for Play
NIFPlay is a global leader in the science of play, curating and interpreting research that reveals how play fundamentally shapes cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development to unlock human potential. Founded by Dr. Stuart Brown, the Institute has revolutionized our understanding of play as a biological necessity, not a luxury.
NIFPlay’s insights have captured worldwide attention, with our research featured in major media including National Geographic, BBC, NPR, PBS, and TED Talks. Our evidence-based approach has transformed how educators, coaches, parents, healthcare professionals, and organizations view the critical role of play in human development and performance.
Drawing on rigorous scientific research, NIFPlay demonstrates how play activates essential pathways for creativity, resilience, productivity, well-being, learning, purpose, and connection. Play isn’t just for children — it’s vital for adults too. In a time of widespread disconnection, loneliness, burnout, and polarization, play offers a path toward thriving.
As a predominant voice in play science, NIFPlay bridges the gap between cutting-edge neuroscience and practical application. We empower individuals and institutions worldwide to break through misconceptions about play and harness its transformative power.
