FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2008


Executive Director Selection Committee chooses three finalists for executive director position

GAINESVILLE – The Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Selection Committee yesterday selected three finalists to be interviewed for the position of executive director.

They are:

• James "Roger" Dearing – Dearing is currently the superintendent of schools in Manatee County, a position he has held since 2003 after serving as the superintendent of schools in Indian River County for nine years. Prior to his time as a superintendent, Dearing served five years as an assistant principal and then principal in Osceola County, nine years as a teacher in Orange County, and 28 years as an administrator. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Masters Degree in Mathematics and English, and holds a Doctor of Education Degree from UCF in Educational Administration and Supervision/Leadership.

• Clifton V. Norris – Norris is currently the superintendent of schools in Levy County, a position he has held since 2000 after serving as the assistant superintendent of schools in Levy County for seven years. Prior to his tenure at Levy County, he spent nine years as the principal of Bronson Elementary, and 10 years as a teacher at Chiefland High School. Norris graduated from Nova University in Fort Lauderdale with a Masters Degree in Modern Education Systems, Educational Leadership and Supervision in 1978.

• William "Sam" Ward – Ward is currently the principal of Fleming Island High School in Orange Park, a position he has held since the school opened in 2003. Prior to his tenure at Fleming Island, he spent 10 years as principal of Orange Park High School. Ward graduated from Nova University in Fort Lauderdale with a Master of Science Degree in 1984. A former member and past president of the FHSAA Board of Directors, Ward currently serves on the FHSAA Section 1 Appeals Committee.

The three finalists will be interviewed and balloting conducted by the Board of Directors as follows: Mr. Dearing at 8:30, Mr. Norris at 9:30, and Mr. Ward at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 12. The results of the balloting will be announced after the votes have been tabulated.

About the FHSAA
The Florida High School Athletic Association is the governing body for interscholastic athletic competition in Florida. It has a membership of more than 750 middle, junior and senior high schools.

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