Nitra Avery joined the Southwestern Athletic Conference in August 2008 as the Assistant Director of Finance and Accounting. She was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in 2010 and is responsible for the overall administration, management and coordination of all financial policies, procedures and practices at SWAC.

A native of Gadsden, AL, Avery attended Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL on an academic scholarship, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration focusing on Finance.

Before graduating, Avery began her career in accounting/finance with the Montgomery Biscuits Baseball team, the Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. As an 'Original Biscuit', Avery was involved with the company when it arrived to Montgomery and after working for the organization for a year as the Accounting Assistant, was named the Assistant Business Manager.

Recently, Avery was recognized by the National Association for Professional Women as its 2011-2012 Woman of the Year for her outstanding contribution to her community and diligent work at the Southwestern Athletic Conference.  She also serve on the Black Coaches and Administrators (BCA) Finance Committee, which is not-for-profit organization whose primary purpose is to foster the growth and development of ethnic minorities at all levels of sports.