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.

Chase Cochran
Program Director

Chase Cochran is the new Program Director for NACA Sports/Fort Bluff Camp. His passions of ministry, education, and athletics will be utilized as the Program Director. Chase received Christ as a college freshman in 2009. He has been very active in ministry ever since. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2015. Chase went on to teach Elementary PE and coach a variety of sports through the public school. He married his wife, Gracey Cochran, in 2018 and has 5 children (Serinity, Charles, Rae, Titus, Judah) with one coming in January. In 2022, Chase founded Strong Rock Academy, which is a platform for Homeschool students to receive Physical Education. All of these experiences have uniquely qualified Chase to lead as the Program Director for NACA Sports/Fort Bluff Camp. In his free time, he enjoys being active outside with family, drinking coffee, trail running, weightlifting, playing sports and games, reading, and spending time in God’s word with people.

Leah Courtney
Operations Manager

Leah Courtney is the new Operations Manager for NACA Sports/Fort Bluff Camp. Prior to being named Operation Manager, Leah served in multiple roles both with Fort Bluff and NACA Sports. Her hard work and attention to detail will serve her well as she takes on this new title.
Leah’s journey with Fort Bluff started as a Summer Staffer in 2013, where she worked in the dining hall, housekeeping, camp store, and as a lifeguard. In May of 2018, Leah was hired on full time as Office Manager, where she has assisted in navigating both organizations into modern practices and processes while maintaining the close bonds she has developed with guests over the years. Leah’s growth and development naturally lead her to different positions with endearing unofficial titles like the “go-to tech person, queen of housing and registration, event planner extraordinaire, and mentor,” especially to younger female staff members. It is easy to see Leah’s personal passion for guests and her fellow team members as she is always ready to take on any task, comfort homesick campers, assist with guests needs, or lend a helping hand.
Leah grew up in Guthrie Center, IA. She received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2016 at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS, and went on to secure a Massage Therapy license in 2018. Leah also has her own massage therapy practice, while maintaining her role and responsibilities with both Fort Bluff and NACA Sports. (And, we are all very grateful for that last part.) We are looking forward to seeing where Fort Bluff/NACA Sports goes from here thanks to her leadership.