Chris Brown became commissioner of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) in July 2022. Brown is the 10th person to lead America's First Conference.

 

"We are beyond excited about Chris' leadership as the next MIAA commissioner," commented Chair of the President’s Council and Hope College President Matthew Scogin.  "He brings deep experience in college athletics, including previous roles at the NCAA national office and the Division I level, which will serve our student-athletes well and help increase the national presence of the MIAA."

 

"I am honored to serve the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association as its next Commissioner," stated Brown.  "I want to thank Olivet College President and Chair of the Commissioner Search Committee, Steven Corey, incoming Chair of the President's Council, Matthew Scogin, and the entirety of the MIAA President’s Council for this opportunity."

Brown continued, "I look forward to serving the student-athletes, presidents, athletics directors, and coaches across the MIAA as we continue our tradition of excellence both academically and athletically."

Brown comes to the MIAA with a range of experiences under his belt.  From September 2014 to July 2018, Brown worked at the NCAA National Office.  His primary duties were interpreting NCAA rules and processing waivers.  While at the National Office, Brown also worked with institutions as they transitioned between NCAA divisions, drafted NCAA rules, and helped manage the association's legislative process.

After studying at the University of Kansas, Brown served as both a Lecturer and as Chief Diversity Officer for the Jayhawks.  He also served as a consultant for the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC), the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, and many other institutions.  In December 2021, Brown was named the Senior Associate Athletic Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Delaware.

"Thank you to my colleagues at the University of Delaware," commented Brown.  "Although brief, I felt the department’s passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout each work day.  Joe Walsh, Commissioner of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference, thank you for your guidance over the last four years.

"Finally, a special thanks to Penny Allen-Cook.  Penny has been a tremendous leader for the MIAA and a great representative for the entirety of Division III.  I wish her the best in retirement, but I know she will always be a part of the MIAA family."

Following a Bachelor's Degree in History from Colorado State University in 2011, Brown received two Master's Degrees from Austin Peay State University in Health and Human Performance and Communication.  Brown earned his Doctorate in Sport Management from the University of Kansas in June 2021.

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Clark Heeron, 1922-1931

James Hasselman, 1931-1933

DeGay Ernst, 1933-1961

Win Schuler, Sr., 1961-1965

John Hoekje, 1965-1971

Albert Deal, 1971-1991

Sheila Wallace-Kovalchik, 1991-2002

David Neilson, 2002-2014

Penny Allen-Cook, 2014-2022

Chris Brown, 2022-present