June 09--Craig Anderson was named the IHSA's seventh Executive Director on Tuesday.
The 1987 graduate of Cambridge High School in Cambridge, Ill., will officially transition to his new position on Monday, Jan. 18, 2016. He will replace current IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman, who announced his retirement in January.
"I am excited, proud and humbled," said Anderson in a press release. "I have incredibly big shoes to fill, but certainly look forward to that challenge. Dating back to my time as a teacher, coach and administrator, I have always had an affinity for the IHSA and its mission. I said in 2010 that working for the IHSA was a dream job. To ascend to the Executive Director role is beyond words."
Anderson will be the seventh Executive Director in the IHSA's 114-year history. He was a three-sport athlete at Cambridge, and also participated in music, band and drama.
"I am incredibly thankful to the committee and Board of Directors for their belief in me," Anderson said. "I look forward to continuing to work with the talented team of individuals here at the IHSA, as well as the dedicated administrators and coaches at our member schools. There is great tradition to uphold at the IHSA, while also preparing to face new challenges ahead."
Anderson currently serves as the IHSA Administrator for football, wrestling and basketball. He also oversees in the IHSA Officials Department, and is a member of the National Federation of State High School Association's football rules committee.
Hickman, who began serving as Executive Director in 2002, believes Anderson will thrive.
"I have had the pleasure of working closely with Craig throughout his time at the IHSA," Hickman said. "He is an innovator with a great understanding of the IHSA's mission, rules and procedures. His passion for this organization and belief in the power that extracurricular programs have on our young people will serve him well in this role."
Anderson graduated from Monmouth College, where he played both basketball and football, in 1991. He also earned a Master's degree in Educational Administration from Illinois State in 1997.
"I look forward to working very closely with Dr. Hickman and the rest of the staff in the coming months as we transition together," said Anderson said. "I am extremely enthusiastic for this opportunity to expand my role at the IHSA and work closely with our member schools to serve the students participating in IHSA sports and activities."
