Matisse S. Lee, MBA, serves as the Senior Associate Commissioner for Communications, Marketing, External Partnerships & Special Projects and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). In this role, she provides strategic leadership for the conference's communications, marketing, branding, external partnerships, and special initiatives while advancing the CIAA's mission of supporting the academic and athletic success of its member institutions and student athletes.
Lee oversees the conference's comprehensive communications and marketing strategy, including championship branding, media relations, digital communications, content development, strategic storytelling, and promotional campaigns. She leads several of the CIAA's signature initiatives, including the Live the Legacy Golf Tournament, the McWilliams Institute for Leadership and Legacy, the conference's premier leadership development academy, and the CIAA Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) Association. She also provides strategic direction for conference wide special projects and collaborative initiatives that strengthen the CIAA brand, cultivate leadership, expand partnerships, and elevate the visibility and impact of the conference.
A collaborative and visionary leader, Lee has played an instrumental role in strengthening the CIAA's national brand through innovative marketing strategies, high profile events, and meaningful partnerships. She has helped launch transformative initiatives that celebrate HBCU excellence while creating new opportunities for member institutions, student athletes, corporate partners, and surrounding communities.
Lee is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and is passionate about leadership development, organizational culture, team building, and mentoring emerging professionals. She frequently facilitates leadership workshops centered on strengths based leadership, communication, and professional growth, helping individuals and teams maximize their potential.
Known for her creativity, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence, Lee continues to champion initiatives that position the CIAA as the premier HBCU athletic conference while creating lasting experiences that extend beyond competition and positively impact student athletes, institutions, partners, and communities.