NEWS RELEASE NATIONAL INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION 9100 Keystone Crossing, Suite 650, Indianapolis, IN 46240 317-587-1450, FAX 317.587.1451/www.niaaa.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mike Blackburn, NIAAA NIAAA Award of Merit Phil Rison, CMAA Indianapolis, Indiana
Phil Rison, CMAA, has served as associate executive director of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) since June 2016 after an outstanding 30-year career as a high school teacher, coach, athletic director and administrator in Kentucky. Rison, who earned his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University in 1985 and his master’s from Morehead State University in 1992, began his career as a teacher and coach for one year at Paris High School and then for seven years at Montgomery County High School. After one year as assistant principal/athletic director at Harrison County High School, Rison served as a teacher and coach at Estill County High School for two years. Rison’s long-term devotion to school administration began in 1997 when he returned to Montgomery County High School as assistant principal and athletic director. After serving in that position for six years, Rison was promoted to director of operations of the Montgomery County Schools for five years, followed by a seven-year term as assistant superintendent. In 2015, Rison was named executive director of the Kentucky High School Athletic Directors Association (KHSADA), and he served in that role for one year before joining the NIAAA national office staff. Rison’s year as KHSADA executive director culminated 20 years of service to the organization, including a term as KHSADA president from 2004 to 2006. Additionally, Rison played a key role in the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA), serving as a KHSAA policy board member for 18 years and chairman for 12 years. As a KHSAA tournament manager, Rison handled district and regional basketball, sectional soccer and regional baseball events. He also was KHSAA delegate representative for 21 years. Nationally, Rison was highly involved with the NIAAA prior to joining the staff 2½ years ago. He was a Leadership Training National Faculty member for 10 years and taught all Leadership Training legal courses, including serving as chair of Leadership Training Course 508, Legal Issues III. Altogether, Rison has taken 28 Leadership Training courses. Rison was a member of the NIAAA Board of Directors from 2010 to 2014, including a term as president in 2013. He also was an NFHS Coach Education Program instructor for 11 years and has earned his AIC (Accredited Interscholastic Coach) designation through the NFHS. With the NIAAA, Rison earned his Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) certification in 1998 and his Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA) title in 2005. Rison has earned numerous other awards during his career. In 1992, he was the Teacher of the Year for the Montgomery County Schools; in 2003, he was named Kentucky Athletic Director of the Year; in 2006, he received the NIAAA State Award of Merit and was inducted into the 10th Region Coaches Association Hall of Fame; and, in 2007, he received the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award. NIAAA Award of Merit The Award of Merit is presented by the NIAAA to an individual in recognition of outstanding leadership and personal commitment to the values of interscholastic athletics. It is the NIAAA’s highest individual award. About the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) The NIAAA is the professional organization for interscholastic athletic administrators. The association is accredited by AdvancED and North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, the NIAAA promotes and enhances the profession of athletic administration for high school and middle school athletic administrators. Since 1977, the NIAAA has served those who lead education-based athletic programs in the nation's schools. With current individual membership of nearly 11,000, the NIAAA consists of members from athletic administrator associations in the 50 states, and the District of Columbia, as well as over 40 international countries. Through its 48-course curriculum, and four levels of certification, the NIAAA is the national leader in providing professional development for athletic administrators, directors, coordinators, and supervisors, as well as those serving in assistant principal/athletic director, or activity/athletic director combined roles that lead school-based sports programs. While providing best-practices and serving as a resource for safe and plentiful participation opportunities for student-athletes, the NIAAA places further focus on member benefits, standards, communication, outreach, and recognition, while emphasizing the exchange of ideas among athletic administrators throughout the nation and the world. NIAAA champions the profession of athletic administration through education opportunities, advocating ethics, developing leaders and fostering community. The NIAAA, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information, visit the NIAAA website at www.niaaa.org. MEDIA CONTACTS: Mike Blackburn, Executive Director - National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association |
