Augusta Sports Council Appoints Michelle Naval as Chief Executive Officer

Michelle Naval has been named the new chief executive officer for the Augusta Sports Council, succeeding Brian Graham, who had led the organization since 2019 and recently left to rejoin the Professional Disc Golf Association. The council’s Board of Directors made the announcement earlier this week.

An 11-year employee, Naval began at the Augusta Sports Council as an intern and later served in roles as project assistant, community affairs coordinator and most recently operations manager. For the past two years, she was responsible for serving as the organization’s resource liaison to over 70 local community sports groups and tourism partners, recruiting and managing volunteers annually for signature and local sporting events, coordinating event logistics, and working to recruit new and regional events to the Augusta area.

“Michelle has experience in all facets of the organization and brings a unique perspective to the position,” said Augusta Sports Council Board Chairman Bob Evans. “She has worked extensively with event staffs and community partners to support and expand sports tourism in Augusta.  We are excited about the Augusta Sports Council growing under Michelle’s leadership.”

Naval is a native of the Augusta area and a 2010 graduate of Augusta State University. She received her Sports Tourism Strategist certification from Sports ETA in 2020.

“I am extremely grateful and excited to begin my time as CEO for the Augusta Sports Council,” Naval said. “I look forward to continuing the organization’s mission and growth for the Augusta community.”