Lori Heeter Thomas Email & Phone Number

Executive leader with more than 30 years of experience in sports management and leadership. Recent role as President of Kansas City Professional Volleyball; building a brand-new team, including securing a practice and playing venue, identifying an office and coaching staff, engaging the community, building a brand strategy, and leading an advisory committee. In 20 years of international sports relations - the United States International University Sports Federation (UniUSA), and the Federation of International Sports Universities (FISU).10 years as the Commissioner for the Heart of America Athletic Conference serving as the executive director for fourteen collegiate athletics programs in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska including 26 sports. Was responsible for all financial operations; initiated a Heart football “game of the week” on ESPN3 for 4 years; formed a 25-member task force to create the “Heart Promise” manual for COVID-19 protocols, ensured safe competition; transformed brand strategy; implemented new image and identity for measurable impact, served as the liaison to the NAIA, represented the Heart at the NAIA convention, Conference Commissioner Association and appropriate national committees; Implemented the first-ever conference mental health platform for 7,000 student-athletes.16 years of service at the NAIA national office. Demonstrated success in human resources, national championships, membership services, character development, strategic planning, financial management, communications, public speaking, and problem-solving. As the first female commissioner in NAIA history (founded in 1937), I have had incredible opportunities to lead, implement, and manage several key initiatives within the organization. Those include the development of a human resources department, membership recruitment, and retention plan, NAIA Champions of Character student-athlete program “LIVE 5”, implementation of new national championships format, and enhancement of marketing national championships to potential host cities across the country.A collaborative, people-oriented leader with years of experience connecting with people at all different levels of sports, from athletes to campus administrators, conference commissioners, and university presidents. Skilled communicator, experienced spokesperson, educator, presenter, and facilitator.Inducted into 4 Hall of Fames (Johnson County Community College, National Junior College Athletic Association, Idaho State University, and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).