Christopher Haley joined the NJCAA National Office in November 2023 as Director of Operations and Project Development. Haley works across multiple divisions at NJCAA, providing management and support in finance and data analysis, special events, and short-term and long-term special projects.

He came to the NJCAA following a successful 15-year career in the hospitality industry in private golf and country clubs. Haley served on and led high performing teams at clubs in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and most recently, as General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Blackthorn Club at the Ridges in northeast Tennessee. When hired to lead Blackthorn in 2017, Haley was one of the ten youngest GM/COOs in the nation.

At Blackthorn, he led the largest capital project in Club history, the construction of a new indoor tennis and fitness center, which opened in early 2019. Under his leadership, the Club grew by 65% in operating revenue. He was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the entire company, leading a staff of more than 100 people, as well as directing strategic and long-term planning. In his career, he has been a part of more than $12 million in capital projects. He was recognized for his achievements and was named the 2023 Hospitality Leader of the Year by the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association.

He is a 2009 graduate of Virginia Tech and has a master’s degree from James Madison University in Sport and Recreation Leadership. He has also completed professional education through the University of Houston, Georgia State University, Michigan State University, and Cal Poly Pomona. Chris enjoys being able to give back and frequently speaks at the university level for undergraduate and graduate classes.

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