NAPERVILLE --- The College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) and Dr. John Swallow, President of Carthage College and Chair of the CCIW Council of Presidents, announced on Wednesday the appointment of Lexie Vernon as the league’s next Executive Director. The appointment will be effective Jan. 1, 2026.

A native of the Chicagoland area, Vernon returns to the Division and region where she first established her roots as a collegiate administrator and leader. She brings a student-athlete-centered leadership philosophy and a progressive portfolio of executive experience across both NCAA Division II and Division III.

Vernon most recently served as Interim Commissioner of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), where she led one of the nation’s most competitive Division II conferences through a period of transition and strategic growth. Her oversight included governance, championships, compliance, media and external relations, financial sustainability and membership services across 15 institutions.

During her tenure, she successfully guided enhancements to the RMAC Network, the conference's official streaming platform. She expanded RMAC staff capacity through the creation of a new graduate assistant program, secured external grant funding to establish a dedicated marketing and promotions position, strengthened internal and external communications, increased fan engagement and enhanced championship branding, experiences, and partnership opportunities – all aimed to enhance the experience of every RMAC student-athlete.

“Lexie Vernon was a standout candidate from the start, and our all-institution search committee, very ably assisted by search consultant Kurt Patberg, was extremely impressed by her broad experience, deep passion, and tireless work ethic,” Swallow said. “The CCIW is thrilled with the impact we know she will have.”

Before joining the RMAC, Vernon spent 11 years at NCAA Division III Knox College in Galesburg, Ill. She last served as Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance, Business, and Internal Operations and as the Senior Woman Administrator. During her time in Galesburg, she also served as Interim Director of Athletics, Assistant Softball Coach and Assistant Athletic Trainer, among others. Her campus leadership work included budget oversight, human resources, gender equity planning, recruiting strategy, student support, strategic planning, sport supervision, academic integration and external relations. 

“I am honored to serve as the next Executive Director of the CCIW,” Vernon said. “Returning home to the area where I grew up, competed and came into my own as an administrator is deeply meaningful. It was evident throughout the search process that the CCIW is the right place at the right time, both for the conference and for me. I look forward to engaging with our presidents, athletic administrators, coaches and student-athletes to elevate our shared identity and lead the CCIW and Division III more broadly into its next era.”

Vernon also brings significant NCAA governance experience, including service on the Playing Rules Oversight Panel (PROP) and as chair of the NCAA Softball Rules Committee. She is a graduate of Lewis University (B.A., Athletic Training), where she competed for four years as a softball student-athlete, and Western Illinois University (M.S., Sport Management), and she is an alumna of the NCAA Pathway Program.

“Coming home to serve the CCIW is a full circle moment. Division III is where I learned what meaningful leadership looks like and where I began shaping the values that guide me today. I am grateful to President Swallow and the entire search committee for their confidence in me. Together, we will continue advancing the proud tradition of the CCIW and lead Division III into its next era.”

What Colleagues Are Saying
Chris Graham – Commissioner, Sunshine State Conference:
"The CCIW hit a homerun with the hiring of Lexie. There are few commissioners in college athletics with her range of experience, her broad view of our industry landscape, and her understanding of day-to-day conference administration. Lexie leads with great conviction and builds strong, productive relationships. There are great things ahead for both her and the CCIW."
 
Mike Zapolski – Director of Athletics, Augustana College:
"Small college athletics is in the midst of a challenging time on many fronts, and I look forward to working closely with Lexie to best position the CCIW and our student-athletes for academic and competitive excellence. Lexie's past professional experiences position her well to make an immediate impact with our membership."
 
Kim Nelson-Brown – Senior Associate Director of Athletics/SWA/Head Volleyball Coach, Illinois Wesleyan:
"Lexie has excelled in various roles over her career.  She brings a wealth of perspective to the CCIW through her roles as a former coach, assistant athletic director, SWA and senior associate commissioner.  Through discussions, you could tell that Lexie remains focused on the overall student-athlete experience; fostering an inclusive environment and ensuring that a student focused approach drives the daily operations of our conference office."