CIF’s Hayes to Resign in February

Jack Hayes, executive director of the California Interscholastic Federation, will resign at the end of February.

Hayes, who has served in the position since 1995, confirmed Wednesday night that he had informed the CIF’s executive board and section commissioners of his intent earlier this month.

“It will sound trite, but being around my family at Thanksgiving and seeing another generation start to grow up, I just figured it was time,” said Hayes, 61. “I love the job and it’s been great working with so many good people. But I’m happy with my decision.”

The CIF is the governing body for more than 1,272 high schools in California that are divided into 10 sections. The Southern Section, with 515 Southland schools, is by far the largest. The Los Angeles City Section, made up of schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District, has 62 members.

“Jack has been one of the strongest leaders the CIF has had in recent memory,” said Dean Crowley, who served as Southern Section commissioner from 1994-1999. “His ability to network with the state legislature, school boards and others has been second to none.”

Hayes was only the sixth person to head the CIF since its inception in 1914.

“Jack took the job in a new direction in regard to a number of issues,” said Barbara Fiege, who is in her seventh year as commissioner of the City Section. “He was actively involved in state legislation that affected student athletes and member schools, he was very proactive in Title IX issues and recognition of girls and women in sports, and he was a strong advocate of coaching education. He also had a total commitment to pursuing victory with honor.”

Charley Berger, president of the CIF, said the organization will launch a nationwide search for Hayes’ successor. The application period will close by the end of January, with finalist interviews tentatively scheduled for mid-February.

Hayes said he will continue in his position until a new executive director is hired even if the search continues past February. He said his successor must be able to work with a diverse group of organizations, students and parents.

“My hope is that it will be somebody who is committed to having the organization serve schools . . .,” Hayes said. “Society in general has kind of lost focus of what sports is all about. It’s such a valuable part of the educational process. Somebody needs to protect it.”