Our Team

John Ballinger
President & CEO

John Ballinger, a risk and crisis management expert, has helped many organizations navigate troubled waters. He is dedicated to helping commercial and nonprofit organizations get back on course and continue moving toward the goal and mission to which they have been called. His extensive knowledge into leading people, risk management, and navigating complex legal matters has earned him the respect of his business colleagues as well as those in the legal profession. John is also a decorated veteran with over 20 years of service in the United States Army and holds more than a dozen awards and certifications in aviation safety and risk management.

Leah Courtney
Vice President of Operations

Leah serves as the Vice President of Operations for NACA/Fort Bluff, bringing over 13 years of dedicated experience to the organization. Her journey began as a summer staff member, working in various hands-on roles such as lifeguard, camp counselor, and dining hall staff, which provided her with a deep understanding of operations from the ground up. Since joining the team full-time in 2018, she has progressed from Office Manager to Operations Manager and was ultimately named Vice President in May 2025.

A lifelong athlete raised in Guthrie Center, Iowa, Leah developed a strong work ethic and team-first mindset through her extensive competitive career. In high school, she competed in four sports, earning numerous academic and athletic honors, and continued her career at the collegiate level in cross country and basketball.

Leah holds an Associate of Science in Athletic Training from Iowa Lakes Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from MidAmerica Nazarene University. She is also a Licensed Massage Therapist and business owner.

What Leah values most about NACA is its unique mission to use sports as a platform to share the gospel. She is passionate about creating Christ-centered environments where coaches and athletes can grow and be transformed far beyond the game. Outside of her work, Leah enjoys traveling—particularly through Europe—exploring health and wellness, and focusing on leadership growth and development.