NCHSAA names new commissioner to replace Que Tucker and run public school athletics
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The NC High School Athletic Association Board of Directors has named Brad Alford as the eighth commissioner in the association’s history.
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Alford, a Southern Durham High School grad, will succeed Que Tucker, who will retire this fall. Alford will begin a transition period with the association on Aug. 24 and assume his new role on Oct. 1.
The NCHSAA Board selected Alford unanimously from a pool of applicants.
“We were fortunate to have an exceptionally talented and competitive pool of candidates, but Alford set himself apart through his depth of experience and clear vision for the future of the NCHSAA,” said NCHSAA President Mark Garrett. “We are confident that Alford is the right leader to build on our strong foundation and guide the Association into its next chapter.”
Alford currently is director of athletics for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.
He also serves as the State Superintendent’s designee for interscholastic athletics and represents the NCDPI on the NCHSAA Board of Directors.
Before taking his current role, Alford spent nearly 15 years with the NCHSAA, where he began as an intern in 2010. He eventually moved up to a senior leadership role as assistant commissioner for sports, championships and compliance.
“I offer my sincere congratulations to Brad as he returns to the NCHSAA,” said Tucker, the outgoing commissioner. “I believe Brad will build upon the tradition of excellence established at the NCHSAA and continue to promote its reputation as a national model. I look forward to seeing the association flourish under his leadership.”
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North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green said he looks forward to continuing to work with Alford.
“Brad Alford has done a marvelous job (with) the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction,” Green said. “Brad has helped to elevate athletics within our public schools as we strive to have the best public education system in the nation by 2030. While Brad will be missed at NC DPI, I look forward to working with him as he continues his extensive and outstanding service on behalf of student-athletes in his new role as the Commissioner of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.”
After attending high school in the state, Alford earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and recreation and leisure studies from Mount Olive College. He later earned a masters of science degree in sports management from East Carolina.
“I look forward to serving our member schools,” Alford said, “and working alongside our partners across North Carolina as we preserve what makes the Association strong while advancing education-based athletics and expanding opportunities for every student-athlete to learn, compete, and grow.”
Alford joins a list of seven people who have been NCHSAA executive directors or commissioners: E.R. Rankin (1924-1942); C.E. McIntosh (1943-1947); L.J. “Hap” Perry (1948-1966); Simon F. Terrell (1967-1984); Charlie Adams (1984-2010); Davis Whitfield (2010-2015) and Que Tucker (2015-2026).
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