Hall of Fame
Kelly Wood is often described as the face of the NCCAA, recently concluding the longest tenure of any employee in the organization’s history at 31 years. Wood began her work with the NCCAA in 1992, serving as Dr. Barry May’s office manager and assistant in Marion, Indiana. From there, she began a journey that wherever she moved, she brought the NCCAA with her. Wood and her family moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma where she continued to do part-time work for the NCCAA from her home before being rehired in a full-time role as the Director of Community Relations in 1999, shortly thereafter her husband and current Executive Director Dan Wood was hired and the office moved to Greenville, South Carolina.
Wood has worn several hats over her 31 years at the NCCAA including: event management, office administrator, volunteer coordinator, handbook revision, brochure design, website management, Pro-Am coordinator, to name a few. In all those roles, the thing that remained consistent is the smile on her face and her ability to welcome others into the NCCAA.
It did not take long for those around her to recognize Wood’s talents, as she earned the Wilhelmi-Haskell Stewardship Award in 1998 in recognition of all her work. At the end of June 2023, Wood officially retired from her role with the NCCAA, but that has not stopped her from being involved when called upon, most importantly as a prayer warrior within the NCCAA Prayer Network.
“Kelly is one of those special people in the world for whom I truly believe there is a crown of reward with the words ‘selfless servant’ engraved across the front,” said Ignite International President & Founder and NCCAA National Championship Chaplain, Judy Fox. “Kelly doesn’t seek credit, though she would be worthy of a ton of it. Having known Kelly personally since 1994, I have always appreciated that Kelly tackles the work with excellence, while making every person feel that their part in the process is of highest value.”
University of Northwestern Director of Athletics Dr. Matt Hill added, “Kelly served with a humble heart to the NCCAA membership in various capacities over her career – and did so with a joy in her heart. I had countless interactions with Kelly serving alongside her at Conventions, National Championships, Pro-Ams, and committee meetings. Each time I was impressed by how patient she was, how friendly she was, and how prepared she was.”
“Kelly has helped bond the NCCAA as a family,” said Paul and Carolyn Berry who have served in various roles with the NCCAA over the past three decades. “Everything that she has done with the NCCAA has been done with a focal point of serving the Lord and His mission. She has caused members to love and support each other, even before knowing each other. We can’t think of anyone who has worked so tirelessly behind the scenes and never wanted to take credit for it but totally is worthy of the Hall of Fame honor.”
The NCCAA is honored to induct Kelly Wood into the Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2025.