Bestselling author and former NAIA baseball pitcher Dan Sanders stated everything rises or falls on leadership in his keynote address during the NAIA Annual Luncheon. The event, sponsored by Design Display, took place on Sunday, April 17, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo.

The former Lubbock Christian (Texas) Chaparral told an audience of about 400 people that his college coach, Larry Hays, had a spirit of humility which fueled tremendous character and commitment to doing.

“I chose to play baseball at Lubbock Christian because Larry Hays cared more about me as a person than a baseball player,” said Sanders. “Lessons learned watching Larry have paid dividends time and time again.”

In the spirit of doing Sanders donated his speaker honorarium to the NAIA in honor of his college baseball coach Larry Hays.

“Don’t be confused by your purpose. The uniqueness of the NAIA is powerful,” said Sanders. “It is about changing lives.”

Sanders’ passion for intercollegiate athletics is matched by his dedication to inspire others to lead. An active community leader, Sanders currently serves on a variety of non-profit boards. He is the president of ACME markets, a SUPERVALU company headquartered in Philadelphia with operations in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

In addition to his business accomplishments, Sanders is a highly decorated veteran of the Gulf War. A senior Air Force pilot, Sanders flew the U-2 spyplane and served as a liaison to the White House as a member of the Air Force One Presidential Advance team. Sanders is also an accomplished writer. His first book, Built to Serve, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.

To learn more about Dan Sanders click here.