CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Lee University Athletics has announced the appointment of Cassidy Brinkley as its new Associate Athletic Director for External Operations. Brinkley joins the athletic department after leading large-scale event operations, sports tourism initiatives, and community programming for over ten years.
In her role with Lee athletics, Brinkley will oversee community engagement, marketing, and revenue generation. She joins the Flames after six plus years of working with the Chattanooga Tourism Co.
"We are excited to welcome Cassidy Brinkley to our athletics leadership team as Associate Athletic Director for External Operations," said Lee Athletic Director John Maupin. "Cassidy brings outstanding experience and energy in the areas of community engagement, marketing, and revenue generation. Her passion for telling the story of our student-athletes and programs, combined with her strategic approach to fan engagement and partnerships, will play a vital role in continuing to elevate Lee University Athletics. We are confident she will make an immediate and lasting impact on our department and our university. Her ability to build strong relationships with the community, corporate partners, and alumni will help us advance our mission and provide enhanced opportunities for our student-athletes to succeed at the highest level," Maupin concluded.
Brinkley began at Chattanooga Tourism Co. in 2019 as the sports event manager. Then in 2022 she took on the role of Director of Event Operations where she managed the destination experience associated with 90+ annual events, including large-scale events like IRONMAN, NCAA National Championships, and TSSAA State Championships
In January of 2025, Brinkley was named the Vice President of Visitor Experience with the Chattanooga Tourism Co. Her role was to lead the strategic direction and execution of the visitor experience across Chattanooga's leisure and group travel sectors. She was a part of the executive leadership team and helped advance strategic planning to support Chattanooga as a premier visitor destination.
"I am honored and excited to join the Lee University Athletics Department as Associate Athletic Director for External Operation," noted Brinkley. "I am deeply grateful for the experiences and relationships that have prepared me for this opportunity to support the continued growth and future of Lee Athletics. I look forward to the opportunity to strengthen our connection within the community and build upon the meaningful engagement and momentum surrounding our programs."
