Washington AD’s recognized at National Conference

12/26/2023

Two longtime Washington State Athletic Directors were recently recognized at the 54th National Athletic Directors conferencein Orlando, Florida. More than 3,000 athletic admninistrators from all over the country attended the event that featured workshops, guest speakers and a chance to network with other professionals from all over the country.

There was both a formal luncheon and banquet. At the luncheon Bellevue District AD Jeff Lowell received an NFHS (National Federation of High Schools) Citation for his contributions to interscholastic athletics at the local, state and national levels. Lowell waas one of just neight nto receive this national award.

At the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) banquet Washington State District 3 Director Joe Keller was one of 11 honored with the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award.

Keller has been in education for 40 years, 20 as an Athletic Director for Fife and Lakes and the last 7 years as the Director of District 3 which includes south King, Pierce, Thurston and Kitsap county area and leagues. We had a chance to catch up with Keller who was honored to be receiving this National Award.

“To be awarded The Distiguished Service Award from the NIAAA is a huge honor for me personally and professionally. It is humbling. Most who are recognized in this great profession of ours will agree with me, however, when I say that I would not be a positive servant-leader without the many influential past, present and future people who have been outstanding role models. They have provided blueprints for success which I have been fortunate to follow, and many local, state and national athletic directors have assisted me along the way. I thank everyone who has mentored me and provided such a rich, rewarding life in athletic management and education-based athletics. I have been fortunate and truly blessed,” stated Keller.

From the NIAAA press release Keller’s contributions were highlighted with his time as an NIAAA member, Keller made various contributions to the association. He was a member of the Publications Committee, including a stint as vice chair for a few years. In addition, he was the Blue Ribbon Panel lead moderator a few times.

As a National Athletic Directors Conference (NADC) attendee, he has represented Washington as a state delegate on many occasions. Keller also gave his talents to the Leadership Training Institute (LTI) as a national facultymember, test administrator, and moderator for LTI sessions at the NADC. Since 2010, Keller has been a CAA exam proctor.

WIAA Executive Director Mick Hoffman says our state, associations, schools and most of all kids truly benefit from having such passionate and dedicated individuals doing the hard behind the scenes work Athletic Directors and Administrators do on a daily basis.

Below you can watch both Jeff and Joe’s video presentation at their ceremony.

Jeff Lowell’s Video Presentation at the awards ceremony