NAIA names new Director of Championships

KANSAS CITY, MO. —- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is pleased to announce that Mike Higgins has been named Director of Championships.

“Mike brings an impressive professional background to the association with nearly 30 years of successful leadership in managing athletics events and venues,” said Jim Carr, president and ceo. “In addition to event management, Mike has significant experience in fundraising and sponsorship sales.”

For the past 12 years, Higgins has been Vice President of Events for the United States Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Ore., where he coordinated one of the most prestigious events in Olympic track and field.

Higgins worked previously as Senior Vice-President/General Manager for the Portland Beavers, the minor league baseball franchise within the San Diego Padres farm system, and the Portland Timbers professional soccer team. He also was the top executive for PGE Park, a 25,000 seat stadium in Portland.

Before moving to the Portland area, he worked in various management capacities in minor league baseball for 12 years, as well as played professional baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.

“As a long-time high school coach, Mike brings an appreciation for the student-athlete and the impact of high quality championship experiences,” said Lynn Meredith, NAIA Vice President Championships / Marketing. “He will be an integral part of the effort to help the NAIA gain sponsorship exposure and enhance championships for student-athletes and coaches.”

Higgins begins his duties at the NAIA in Kansas City on April 4.