Photo courtesy of AHSAA
On June 6, Oxford High School principal Heath Harmon was approved by the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Central Board of Control to become the organization’s sixth executive director. The announcement was made by current AHSAA Central Board president Mike Welsh.
Harmon, 49, will take over the position officially in early July. Earlier this spring, current executive director Alvin Briggs announced his plans to retire this September.
“Heath Harmon is a lifelong resident of Alabama and previously served as a high school English and History teacher, assistant principal, and coach of multiple sports,” said Welsh. “Mr. Harmon was head football coach at four of our member schools prior to entering the field of educational administration. He has proven to be an effective leader, and we are confident of his ability, excited about his enthusiasm and look forward to working with him to lead our association into the future.”
“I am truly blessed to be standing here,” said Harmon, who graduated from Munford High School in Talladega County. “Without the support of my wife Holley and our two children, I wouldn’t be able to do the work that I do. I’ve had the opportunity to work with the AHSAA as a coach and administrator. It is one of the best organizations in the country. The AHSAA’s longstanding tradition of serving member schools and support of education-based athletics is recognized locally as well as nationally. We are proud of our past and preparing for our future.
“I look forward to working with the Central Board of Control, the AHSAA staff, our member school principals, athletic directors, coaches, and officials from across the state.
“Together we will make sure the student-athletes in Alabama have a great experience participating in education-based athletics.”
Harmon holds a B.S. in Secondary Education, English and history from Jacksonville State University; a M.A. in Secondary Education, English and Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama; and an Educational Specialist degree from the University of Alabama. He is a graduate of the 2023 Alabama Superintendents Leadership Academy.
Harmon’s wife Holley, a graduate of Gaston High School, is also an educator and school administrator. The couple has two children – daughter Halaya and son Hudson. Both graduated from Oxford High School. Halaya graduated from Auburn University in 2023 and Hudson is currently a student at AU.
Harmon became the sixth person to hold the executive director position full time. Cliff Harper was the first hired by the CBOC in 1948 and served until 1966. Herman L. “Bubba” Scott served in the position from 1966-1991. Dan Washburn then served from 1991-2007. Steve Savarese replaced Washburn in 2007 and has remained in the position for 15 years until retiring in 2021. Briggs has severed as executive director since 2021. Sellers Stough of Birmingham served in in a part-time position as executive secretary-treasurer from 1921 to 1948.