Kristi Mann serves as the Arkansas state chair for USA Wrestling, the governing body of wrestling in the United States and the official representative to the United States Olympic Committee and United World Wrestling. She is one of the few women in the country to lead a state chapter and has held the volunteer position for two decades. Her leadership has been instrumental in the growth of club, high school, national team and collegiate wrestling throughout Arkansas.

Beyond her contributions to wrestling, Mann has represented Arkansas on an international level. In 2024, she was selected by the U.S. Department of State as one of 10 women to serve as a sports exchange delegate to the Republic of Azerbaijan. As the group’s spokesperson, she addressed the Olympic Committee and World Wrestling Federation to advocate for women in leadership roles in sports.

Mann’s impact has been recognized at the national level, as she was named the 2024 State Chairperson of the Year for USA Wrestling and appointed to the organization’s finance committee. She was also featured in Arkansas Money & Politics as one of the state’s “Power Women” in December 2024 and included in AY Magazine’s 2023 Class of Intriguing Women.

A retired special education teacher with 30 years of experience, Mann was a decorated gymnast at Little Rock Central High School before cheering at the University of Arkansas. She remains active in the community through her involvement with the Little Rock Touchdown Club, the Broyles Award and the Delta Delta Delta Alumnae.