Alabama High School Athletic Association executive director Steve Savarese this week announced plans to retire from the position he has held for the last 15 years effective July 1.
He reportedly agreed to remain in the position at the pleasure of the AHSAA Central Board of Control until his replacement has been hired and has had ample time to adjust to the role.
Savarese became just the fourth full-time executive director of the 100-year old organization in 2007. He has played a key role nationally as well. He currently serves on the NFHS board of directors, was selected as the president-elect of that board for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year and also is currently serving as the chairman of the NFHS Network board of directors.
In a statement, he said his 47 years as an educator has been a long and positive journey.
“It’s now time for me to devote my time to my family,” he remarked. “I’ve had an awesome time, teaching, coaching, serving as an administrator, and most humbly serving as the Executive Director of the AHSAA. To follow icons such as (former AHSAA executive directors) Cliff Harper, Bubba Scott, and Dan Washburn has been the greatest honor of my life.”
“Professionally, I would not change anything regarding my career. I genuinely feel as if I’ve never worked a day in my life,” he continued. “I’ve tried to approach each day knowing that nothing worthwhile was ever achieved without enthusiasm. God has truly blessed me.”
Central Board president Van Phillips admitted his board now faces a difficult task ahead in replacing Savarese.
“We think Steve Savarese is the best at his position in the nation,” Phillips advised. “But we will do our due diligence to find his replacement. The Central Board will begin immediately its search for the next executive director.
“First, as president of the Central Board of Control, I want to thank Steve Savarese personally and publicly for making this association the best high school athletic association in the nation,” he added. “He is leaving big shoes to fill but all I can ask is for him not to go too far. We will always want and need his advice as we move forward.”
Phillips underscored that Savarese’s commitment to the AHSAA’s mission has kept the association moving forward.
“I want to express just how much we admire Steve Savarese and the work he has done protecting this association, constitution and by-laws always and standing tall for what is right. His positive impact has changed the lives for so many student-athletes and adults alike,” he concluded. “We wish him the very best as he prepares for the next chapter of his life. We pray God will continue to bless him and his family.”
Read more about Savarese’s tenure and retirement announcement here.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
