Mr. Kennedy D. Wells is a nonprofit leader and membership engagement professional with two decades of experience in sports management, association leadership, and strategic program development. Recently named Sr. Director of Engagement, Mission, and Research at Associations International in Lexington, Kentucky, he serves as the community engagement principle and mission support for the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) community.

Kennedy also leads research initiatives aimed at advancing the sport of volleyball and supporting the professional development of coaches nationwide. He works closely with the AVCA Board of Directors, coordinating board meetings, elections, and strategic planning efforts while ensuring strong governance and organizational alignment. In addition, he provides leadership for key events and supports coach development initiatives such as the AVCA T.E.A.M. Awards (formerly AVCA Diversity Awards) program.

Kennedy previously served as Director of Membership for AVCA for 11 years and gained experience in sports marketing at the Kentucky Sports Authority, nonprofit membership services at Black Coaches & Administrators in Indianapolis, and large-scale retail management with the Kroger Company. He holds a Master’s in Sports Management and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Kentucky University, along with a Sports Marketing Professional Certification from the University of Kentucky.

Kennedy currently serves as an associate minister at First African Baptist Church in Lexington, serves as vice chair of the Mayor’s Racial Justice and Equity Commission, and is founder and CEO of nonprofit Achieving Coaching Excellence®.

Kennedy is married to the former L. Denise Campbell and they have two daughters.