Lori Thomas is an executive leader with more than 30 years of experience in sports administration and leadership.

In her most recent role as President of Kansas City Professional Volleyball, Lori was responsible for building a brand-new team which included securing a practice and playing venue, identifying the front office and coaching staff, engaging the community, building a strategic plan, and leading an advisory committee. Lori served 10 years as the 1st female commissioner in NAIA history for the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

She served as the executive director for fourteen collegiate athletics programs in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska including 26 sports and 700 athletes.

Before that, Lori spent 16 years at the NAIA national office concluding her role as Senior Vice President with demonstrated success in human resources, national championships, membership services, character development, strategic planning, financial management, communications, public speaking, and problem-solving. 

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.

Inducted into 4 Hall of Fames (Johnson County Community College, National Junior College Athletic Association, Idaho State University, and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).