Bio

The Heart of America Athletic Conference is pleased to announce the hiring of Madison Lantz-Farris as the league’s new Assistant Commissioner of Operations and Strategic Initiatives. She will also take on the key leadership role at the conference offices Senior Woman Leader.  

Since 2021, she has served as the Advisor to The Heart’s Association of Student-Athletes (HASA)—originally appointed by former Commissioner Lori Thomas and asked to continue and expand in her role with current Commissioner Nik Rule. Under her guidance, this year ASA was developed into a dynamic student-athlete engagement platform. Most recently, she led efforts to formalize The Heart ASA as an official committee in Heart governance structure, advancing the voice of student-athletes across the conference. 

In her new role, Lantz-Farris will help guide the Heart’s operational processes, coordinating partnership fulfillment, serve in administrator positions within the conferences governance structure and play a key part in enhancing championship leadership from the conference office. She will also support new revenue-generating initiatives and contribute to digital and creative strategies across the league.  

“Madison is the ideal person to take on this new and expanded role for the Heart,” said Commissioner Nik Rule. “She brings innovation, organization, and passion for the student-athlete experience. Her diverse background in athletics administration, higher education leadership, the NAIA and creative development makes her uniquely qualified to move the conference forward. She and I have worked closely together over the years, she is a high achiever and a tireless servant leader.” 

Lantz-Farris rose to national recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was elected NAIA National Chair of the Association of Student-Athletes, serving on the Council of Student-Athletes and working directly with the NAIA Council of Presidents to ensure student voices were represented in critical national decisions. She continued to assist the national office in several different ways, including leading the NAIA ASA as a staff liaison when there was a vacancy.  

“As ASA Chair, Madison was a superb leader and advocate for the priorities of NAIA student-athletes,” said NAIA Vice President of Membership Services, Chesney Sallee. “So much so that when we had a gap in staffing, we immediately thought of Madison and she stepped in and facilitated the ASA, managed the programmatic aspects and identified improvement opportunities. The Heart is lucky to have Madison on their team.”  

NAIA Director of Student-Athlete Experience and Development, Sara Eckinger, shared, “I had the pleasure of working with Madison during a key transition for the National ASA. Her leadership, expertise, and willingness to step in and support made a lasting impact. The National ASA wouldn’t be where it is today without her. I’m thrilled to see her continue her impact in this new role and have no doubt she’ll do incredible things to further strengthen the Heart of America Athletic Conference.” 

Following her graduation, she worked alongside Commissioner Rule at William Penn University where he served as Athletic Director for seven years, serving as his right hand in business operations and strategic initiatives. Her role quickly expanded to encompass student-athlete development, gameday creative content, strategic marketing, ticketing, and social media. She was later promoted to a dual position as Admissions Counselor and Student-Athlete Development & Creative Coordinator, before being promoted to Director of Admissions—where she served on the President’s Cabinet, participated in Board of Trustees meetings, and played a role in supporting athletic enrollment while strengthening collaboration between the Admissions and Athletic Department. Lantz-Farris has Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Human Services and a Masters in Sport Management and a Masters in Organizational Leadership.  

“I’m honored to step into this role and return to serve the Heart of America Athletic Conference, which has been so instrumental in my personal and professional growth,” said Lantz-Farris. “I’m deeply passionate about enhancing the student-athlete experience, driving operational excellence, and supporting strategic growth—and I’m excited to contribute to all of these areas as part of The Heart team.”