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.

Gary Roberts
Ambassador

Gary Roberts is the new community Ambassador for Fort Bluff Camp and NACA Sports. Gary will continue building bridges between Fort Bluff and the local community in Rhea County, the southeast and throughout the country. As a seasoned executive Gary understands the importance of effective communication, proper planning and creating a quality experience for campers, youth leaders, student athletes, and coaches. Gary’s focus is to make deep meaningful connections with all of the stakeholders and constituents that utilize the resources available on the Fort Bluff campus.

Prior to joining the Fort Bluff/NACA Sports team, Gary spent 24 years in the insurance industry in various leadership and new product development roles, which helped him to develop the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to build a national framework of previous campers and athletes that can help to spread the message of Fort Bluff’s transformative experiences.

Gary has been married to his wife, Teresa, for 24 years and they have two children, Elijah, age 19, and Lyla, age 6. Gary is a lifelong resident of Rhea County having grown up just two miles from the camp where he often visited to work and play basketball. His faith journey began November 26, 1996, when he accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. He desires to live in such a way so that Jesus is glorified completely in his life. His interests include spending time with family, playing basketball, watching NASCAR, and trail riding.

Chase Cochran
Program Director

Chase Cochran is the Program Director for NACA Sports/Fort Bluff Camp. His passions of ministry, education, and athletics will be utilized to develop innovative approaches to ministry for campers, youth pastors, student athletes and coaches. As a former Elementary Physical Education teacher and coach in the public school system, Chase understands the challenges and pressures facing today’s youth. Chase also founded Strong Rock Academy, which is a platform for Homeschool students to receive Physical Education.

Chase and his wife, Gracey have 5 children (Serinity, Charles, Rae, Titus, and Judah) ages 12 years and below. In his “free time,” he enjoys outdoor activities with his family, reading, a good cup of coffee, maintaining good physical fitness by trail running, weightlifting, playing sports, and leading others in the study of God’s word.

Chase’s journey of faith began in 2009 when he accepted Christ, while a freshman in college. He has been very active in ministry ever since. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2015.

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.