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Tolbert To Join AHSAA Staff In Publications
Alabama High School Athletic Association Executive Director Steve Savarese announced Friday the hiring of Jim Tolbert, currently the athletic director at AHSAA member school Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. Tolbert will join the AHSAA July 5 as an assistant director working with publications.
Savarese also announced that long-time Assistant Director Alan Mitchell is retiring after 32 years at the end of 2011. Tolbert will work directly with Mitchell for the next six months as he transitions to his new role.
Mitchell, who is being recognized by the National Federation of State High School Associations with a Citation Award at the upcoming NFHS Summer Conference in Philadelphia, PA, oversees all publications, works with reclassification and manages the AHSAA website among his many duties.
“When Alan came to me a few months back and informed me he planned to retire at the end of this year, I was saddened by the news,” Savarese said. “Since 1979, he has worked closely with three executive directors and through the years has been the foundation of what is the AHSAA. He has dedicated himself to serving the high schools of the AHSAA and has always performed his duties with professionalism, character and honor.”
Savarese, who conducted an extensive interview process, said Tolbert is a key addition to the AHSAA staff.
“Jim has an extensive journalism and public relations background including working with two daily newspapers, serving as Public Affairs Director of the Alabama Public Service Commission (for 14 years) and working in sports information at Alabama State University,” Savarese said. “He also has knowledge of AHSAA rules and experience in sports bracketing and championship formatting.”
Tolbert said he is excited about joining the AHSAA staff.
“Having worked closely with the AHSAA staff as an athletic director, I have always been impressed with their dedication and professionalism. The AHSAA does a tremendous job of serving member schools and student-athletes in our state and to join them in that effort is a dream come true.”
Tolbert grew up in Marshall County where he graduated from Albertville High School.
"It is a bittersweet time in more than one respect. For me, it means leaving a place that will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said. “For the AHSAA, it also means the impending retirement of Alan Mitchell, who has meant so much to high school athletics in our state. I wish Alan much happiness in his retirement, and I look forward to working with him in the coming months as I try to learn from him as much as I can."