NAIA Names New COO and CFO to Lead Operations
The national athletics association promotes internal leaders to manage financial aid and championship operations.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in People
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has promoted Chesney Sallee to Chief Operating Officer and Kevin Dee to Chief Financial Officer. These executive appointments at the Kansas City-based organization aim to support its strategic growth and operations for its member institutions.
Why it matters
These leadership changes solidify the executive management team overseeing the association's $1.3 billion annual student-athlete financial aid program. Strengthening internal oversight helps the NAIA manage its national championships and eligibility operations for roughly 89,000 student-athletes.
The organization oversees 31 national championships and supports a network where student-athletes earn $1.3 billion in annual financial aid. Kevin Dee brings a 33-year tenure to his new role, while Chesney Sallee has served the association since 2011.
The players
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
A Kansas City-based collegiate athletics association that manages 31 national championships and academic eligibility for 89,000 student-athletes.
Chesney Sallee
The newly appointed Chief Operating Officer who previously led membership value and governance initiatives for the association.
Kevin Dee
The newly appointed Chief Financial Officer with a 33-year history at the organization managing finance and sport administration.
The details
Chesney Sallee will transition from her previous role as Vice President of Membership Value and Governance to manage legislative services, marketing, student-athlete development, and human resources. Kevin Dee, formerly Senior Vice President of Finance and Sport Administration, will oversee finance, technology, budgetary matters, and the organization's Eligibility Center and InCred services.
Timeline
2011: Chesney Sallee began her career with the NAIA.
2017: Chesney Sallee was named Administrator of the Year.
October 29, 2026: The NAIA announced the leadership promotions.
Market Landscape
The promotions reflect a focus on continuity as the organization continues to manage eligibility and sports administration for its membership. This follows a career trajectory for Sallee that included her recognition as Administrator of the Year in 2017.
Operators in the collegiate sports sector should note the consolidation of administrative and financial oversight under this new executive structure. The focus on technology and eligibility operations suggests these areas will remain primary friction points or investment priorities.
The takeaway
The NAIA is streamlining its executive oversight to handle its $1.3 billion financial aid portfolio and growing championship responsibilities. Operators should track how these new roles adjust service delivery and compliance standards for the 89,000 student-athletes under the association's purview.
Further reading
For more background on leadership developments and organizational changes, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NAIA.
