The UHSAA announced Friday that current Wasatch High principal Ryan Bishop has been named the new executive director of the association. He is taking over for retiring executive director Rob Cuff, who is stepping down after 17 years.
Bishop will become the seventh executive director in the 99-year history of the organization, and will officially take over July 1.
Bishop previously served as an assistant director with the UHSAA from 2014 to 2017.
Bishop, a native of Heber City, has been involved in education in Utah for 27 years, serving in Box Elder, Davis and Wasatch school districts. He’s served as a teacher, coach, athletic director and administrator.
He won a state championship as Davis’ head football coach in 2004.
In a press release statement, Bishop said, “The UHSAA has a strong history because of the people who have led and served before me. I’m honored to step into this role and look forward to building on that foundation to ensure high school activities remain an extension of the classroom and a meaningful part of every student’s experience.”
Cuff announced his retirement back in January, and the UHSAA Board of Trustees has quietly been working behind the scenes in what BOT chair Luke Rasmussen called a “highly competitive selection process, which involved many talented applicants interested in this position.”
Rasmussen, who is also the Ogden School District superintendent, added this about Bishop in the press release.
“Ryan Bishop is an exceptional selection to lead the Utah High School Activities Association. His experience as a state championship coach, athletic director, principal, and former assistant director of the association gives him a comprehensive understanding of the impact activities have on students and school communities. Ryan is widely respected across the state and leads with integrity and a clear focus on what is best for kids.”
