Leadership changes on July 1 mean start of new era for GHSA

The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) will be under new leadership beginning next week. Retiring Executive Director Dr. Robin Hines is giving way to Dr. Timothy David Scott, who is set to become the seventh Executive Director in GHSA history. Hines announced his retirement earlier this year, and Scott first addressed member schools at the May meeting of the State Executive Committee in Thomaston. Jay Russell–son of the late great Georgia Southern University football coach Erk Russell–is Scott’s new Assistant Executive Director after the retirement of Ernie Yarbrough.

Scott was hired in April after approval from the association’s Board of Trustees, but he won’t begin full time until July 1. The current Superintendent of Dalton Public Schools, Scott is succeeding Hines in the role he had filled since 2017.

With degrees from Georgia College, Troy State University and Argosy University, he has an extensive background as a coach and administrator in Georgia. Scott began his career in 1987 at Northside High School in Warner Robins where he was head wrestling coach and assistant football coach.

He moved to Warner Robins High School as Assistant Principal in 1997 before returning to Northside as Principal in 2001. Scott also served as Principal at Dublin High School and Douglas County High School before joining the Dalton Public School System as Assistant Superintendent for District Operations in 2015. He became Superintendent of the Dalton system in 2018. He has worked with the GHSA in the past, overseeing the hosting of many events.
“We are excited about Dr. Tim Scott being named sole finalist for the Executive Director position,” said GHSA President Dr. Jim Finch. “Dr. Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the association. It was clear during the search and interview process; Dr. Scott was able to articulate a plan and vision to move the GHSA forward. We look forward to his leadership and are confident he can continue to provide a positive and enriching experience for our student athletes."

Once Scott becomes the Executive Director, he'll be etched into the GHSA’s history, following former Executive Directors Sam Burke (1939-76), Bill Fordham (1976-91), Tommy Guillebeau (1991-2001), Ralph Swearngin (2001-14), Gary Phillips (2014-17) and Hines (2017-24).
On June 19, Scott’s first hire was to replace a retiring Steve Figueroa as director of media relations. Marvin James will begin in the position on July 1, after the well-known sports anchor in the Macon market (WMAZ) was tapped by Scott to fill the media relations job. Figueroa held the position for 23 years before announcing his retirement in the spring.

“Marvin is going to do a great job for us,’’ Scott said through a GHSA press release. “He has covered all kinds of sports in Middle Georgia for over 25 years, he’s done social media, he can tell a story, write stories, he was part of the GHSA when he played sports.”

The GHSA’s second “Dead Week” of the summer is next week. It means no athletic events (practices, meetings, training, etc.) can take place from Monday, July 1 - Sunday, July 7. After the conclusion of the dead week, the GHSA’s 2024-25 athletic year will begin unofficially. Football teams may begin practicing (in full) on July 29 while games begin on Aug. 16.

For more information on the GHSA’s leadership, key dates, and more, follow the association on social media, @OfficialGHSA.