The recipient of a bachelor of science and a bachelor of arts from Oklahoma Baptist University, Lori Manning is pursuing an MBA at Western Governors University. Between enrollments at both schools, Lori Manning built a successful 20-year career in coaching and teaching.

Lori Manning most recently held an executive director position with ZES Educational Services and previously served as CEO and superintendent of High Point Academy, where she facilitated student population growth from 409 to 1,153 in just three years. From 2011 to 2014, she worked as director of the nonprofit organization FIAFW. She began her career in education as a science teacher at Pinnacle Academy of Fine Arts and, within five years, rose to the position of principal.

Before transitioning to education, Lori Manning was the head softball coach at North Greenville University and presided over the program as it made the leap from National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division-II level. She also has coached teams at St. Gregory's University and Anderson University and spent time as a softball coordinator and hitting instructor with Dave's School of Hitting and Pitching.