Montgomery, AL – The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) has announced key changes to its executive staff, including two new hires from the Oxford City School System and a reassignment within the organization.
In a recent press release, the AHSAA revealed that Brian McRae, principal of C.E. Hanna Elementary School in Oxford, has been appointed as associate executive director. McRae brings 17 years of experience in education, having served as a coach, physical education teacher, and assistant principal. He holds a degree from Alabama State University and is expected to complete his doctorate in December.
Additionally, Ryan Barkley, assistant principal at Oxford High School, has joined the AHSAA as an assistant director. Barkley has 20 years of educational experience, including roles as a history teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal. He is a graduate of Jacksonville State University.
In another staff update, JT Lawrence, currently an assistant director at the AHSAA, has been promoted to director of the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association. Lawrence, who has been with the association since 2022, has a 24-year background in education and administration, having previously worked as a physical education teacher, coach, and athletic director. He holds a degree from the University of Montevallo.
These appointments come under the leadership of Heath Harmon, who took over as AHSAA’s executive director in July as reported in June, following the retirement of Alvin Briggs on September 2. Harmon, who previously served as principal at Oxford High School for eight years, has 26 years of experience in education, coaching, and administration.
The AHSAA noted that one assistant director position remains vacant. The current executive staff includes associate executive director Kim Vickers, CFO Amy Gulledge, director of communications Ron Ingram, assistant director Marvin Chou, director of officials Ken Washington, and assistant director Devin Booth.
