DEKALB, Ill. -- Northern Illinois University Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Sean T. Frazier announced on Friday (Feb. 20) the promotion of Chris Barker to Executive Associate Athletic Director/Chief Revenue Officer.

Barker joined the NIU Athletic Department in September 2023 and has been a member of the Huskie senior staff since his arrival. In his new role, Barker will oversee all revenue streams, including the Huskie Athletic Fund, ticketing, premium seating, Victor E Threads, and other monetization initiatives.

"I am extremely excited to announce this promotion for Chris," said Frazier. "He has proven himself to be an extremely valuable member of our department in leading our fundraising efforts, which is critical during this time of change within the college athletics landscape. I am very pleased to reward that work with his much-deserved recognition."

In his role leading the Huskie Athletic Fund (HAF), NIU Athletics has set fundraising records, including generating $1.2 million during Huskies Invest in 2025. The amount of unrestricted donors increased within the HAF rose by 285 percent in 2025, with unrestricted dollars increasing by 38 percent. The overall number of donors to the HAF increased by 64 percent while the total dollars raised grew by 18 percent during the calendar year. 

Barker came to NIU from Southern Connecticut State University where he served as Director of Athletics for two years. He also spent time at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and Carthage College.

A baseball student-athlete at Madison College and UNC-Greensboro, Barker earned his bachelor's degree from UNCG in communication studies and holds a master's degree from Delaware State.  He completed the NCAA Pathways Program in 2019 and has served on multiple NCAA committees at his previous career stops.