FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2008


FHSAA board votes to continue search for executive director

GAINESVILLE – The Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors on Sunday voted that it would not offer the position of executive director to any one of the three finalists for the position and instead would continue its search for the FHSAA's next executive director.

The Board of Directors made its decision after interviewing the three remaining finalists: Don Bridges, Director of Athletics in Polk County; Sonny Hester, FHSAA Senior Associate Executive Director; and William S. "Sam" Ward, Principal of Fleming Island High School in Clay County. The fourth finalist for the position, Lee County Superintendent James Browder previously withdrew his name from consideration.

The three finalists may reapply for the position if they choose.

The board's executive director selection committee was to meet Sunday afternoon to develop a new action plan for the selection process. The plan will be presented to the full Board of Directors for approval during its regular business meeting on Monday.

Current Executive Director John A. Stewart is scheduled to retire Nov. 1.

About the FHSAA
The Florida High School Athletic Association is the governing body for interscholastic athletics in Florida.  It has a membership of more than 700 middle and senior high schools, and sponsors postseason competitions to determine the official state high school champions in 28 different sports. The 16-member FHSAA Board of Directors is the executive authority of the Association, employing the executive director, overseeing the Association's budget and adopting the regulations by which the Association's programs are conducted.

Contacts:
Cristina Alvarez
Director of Media Relations & Marketing, FHSAA
(352) 372-9551 ext. 190
calvarez@fhsaa.org

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