**Note: It is important to follow the application submission instruction noted below for this position posting.  

The NFHS Board of Directors is officially announcing a vacancy for the position of Chief Executive Officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations which has been created by the retirement of Chief Executive Officer Karissa Niehoff. The NFHS, which is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the national leadership organization for high school athletic and activity programs. Since 1920, the NFHS has led the development of education-based interscholastic sports and activities that help students succeed in their lives. Members of the NFHS are high school associations in the 50 states plus the District of Columbia, and the NFHS reaches nearly 20,000 high schools and more than 15 million participants in high school activity programs through its 51 members.

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for general administration of NFHS headquarters in Indianapolis, IN and employing an administrative and support staff within the budgetary limitations established by the Board of Directors; screening, hiring and dismissal of all NFHS staff members; reporting to the Board of Directors at four annual meetings; and providing leadership, direction and support to the 51 member associations.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Application packet should include the following: 

1. Letter of application directed to NFHS President Ron Nocetti.
2. A resume that reflects the qualifications and skills for the position.
3. A list of four references, only one of which should be a character reference. Please include addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for all references.

All materials should be directed to:

Ron Nocetti, NFHS President

California Interscholastic Federation

4658 Duckhorn Drive

Sacramento, CA 95834

You may also email a single PDF file with all required information as per the application packet listed above to: Rnocetti@cifstate.org

Application Timeline

1. May 15, 2026 – Deadline for Receipt of Applications
2. June 16, 2026 – Interviews with Finalists for Position
3. August 1, 2026 – Anticipated Start Date for New Chief Executive Officer

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate should:

• Have the ability to communicate – both in written and verbal form – to small and large groups, as well as individuals.
• Have demonstrated the ability to lead.
• Have demonstrated good judgment.
• Have demonstrated responsible behavior.
• Have a commitment to education-based athletics and activities.
• Be respected within the community of his/her experience.
• Have high moral character.
• Have a reputation of sound integrity and honesty.
• Have a passion for the true mission of education-based activities.
• Be a consensus-builder.
• Be a change agent.
• Be knowledgeable and well-read.
• Be an effective communicator.
• Have an understanding of technology.

 Education/General Experience Requirements

• Minimum of an earned Master’s Degree in Education or related field – Doctorate desirable.
• Background in teaching, coaching or administration at the secondary level (grades 7-12).
• Understanding of, or involvement and experience with, state high school associations.
• Understanding of the role of the NFHS.
• Experience with the legal process at all levels.
• Prior positions of leadership.

About NFHS - National Office

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) is the national leadership organization for high school athletic and performing arts activities. Since 1920, the NFHS has led the development of education-based interscholastic sports and performing arts activities that help students succeed in their lives. The NFHS writes playing rules for 17 sports for boys and girls at the high school level. Through its 50 member state associations and the District of Columbia, the NFHS reaches more than 19,000 high schools and 11 million participants in high school activity programs, including more than 7.6 million in high school sports. As the recognized national authority on interscholastic activity programs, the NFHS conducts national meetings; sanctions interstate events; offers online publications and services for high school coaches and officials; sponsors professional organizations for high school coaches, officials, speech and debate coaches, and music adjudicators; serves as the national source for interscholastic coaching training; and serves as a national information resource for interscholastic athletics and activities.

Connections working at NFHS - National Office