AHSAA names Oxford Principal Heath Harmon as its next Executive Director
AHSAA
The Alabama High School Athletic Association names Oxford Principal Heath Harmon as their 6th Executive Director. The decision was approved by the AHSAA Central Board of Control on Thursday.
“Mr. Heath Harmon is currently the principal at Oxford High School. He is a lifelong resident of Alabama and has previously served as a high school English and History teacher, assistant principal, and coach of multiple sports, ” said Welsh. “Mr. Harmon was head football coach at four of our member schools prior to entering the field of educational administration. He has proven to be an effective leader, and we are confident of his ability, excited about his enthusiasm, and look forward to working with him to lead our association into the future.”
Harmon, who is 49, takes over the position from Alvin Briggs who announced his plan to retire in September earlier this year in April. Briggs has served as the AHSAA Executive Director since 2021.
There have now only been six people to hold this position full time in AHSAA History. Cliff Harper was the first hired by the CBOC in 1948 and served until 1966. Herman L. “Bubba” Scott served in the position from 1966-1991. Dan Washburn then served from 1991-2007. Steve Savarese replaced Washburn in 2007 and has remained in the position for 15 years until retiring in 2021. Alvin Briggs, who was the last person to take over the position until Harmon was announced on Thursday. Sellers Stough of Birmingham served in in a part-time position as executive secretary-treasurer from 1921 to 1948.
Harmon brings with him a wealth of knowledge to the position having spent many years as a coach, educator, and student athlete in the state of Alabama. Harmon is a graduate of Munford High School in Talladega County.
“I am truly blessed to standing here,” Harmon said to the full room od media on hand for the announcement. “Without the support of my wife Holley and my two children, I wouldn’t be able to do the work that I do.”
Harmon expressed how grateful he was for the opportunity and how excited he was for the chance to make an impact on the student athletes in Alabama.
“I have had the opportunity to work with the AHSAA as a coach and administrator. It is one of the best organizations in the country,” Harmon said. “The AHSAA’s longstanding tradition of serving member schools and support of education-based athletics is recognized locally as well as nationally. We are proud of our past and preparing for our future.”
Harmon is known for his outstanding leadership throughout his 27 years in education. During those 27 years Harmon has served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, instructional partner, and principal.
Harmon holds a B.S. in Secondary Education, English and history from Jacksonville State University, and a M.A. in Secondary Education, English and Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama, an Educational Specialist degree from the University of Alabama. He is also a graduate of the 2023 Alabama Superintendents Leadership Academy.
Harmon and his wife have two children, daughter Halaya, and son Hudson. Both graduated from Oxford High School. Their daughter graduated from Auburn University in 2023, and their son is currently a student at AU.
Welsh praised the Central Board’s efforts in the search for the AHSAA’s next leader.
“I especially thank our senior board member, Mr. Luke Hallmark,for chairing the search committee and working tirelessly to develop and implement the search process.”
(Information from the AHSAA)
