Central board selects next AHSAA executive director
Harmon, 49, will be taking over his new role officially in early July. Alvin Briggs, who has served as executive director since 2021, early this spring announced his plans to retire Sept. 1.
“Mr. Heath Harmon is currently the principal at Oxford High School,” said Welsh. “He is a lifelong resident of Alabama and has previously served as a high school English and History teacher, assistant principal and coach of multiple sports. 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.”
Harmon, who graduated from Munford High School in Talladega County, becomes the sixth person to hold this position full-time in AHSAA history. “I am truly blessed to be standing here,” Harmon said. “Without the support of my wife, Holley, and my two children, I wouldn’t be able to do the work that I do.”
He said he was appreciative of the search process by the Central Board and thankful for the opportunity to have a chance to apply for the executive director position.
“I have had the opportunity to work with the AHSAA as a coach and administrator. It is one of the best organizations in the country,” Harmon said. “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 said he was grateful to the previous executive directors who took the time to be present at the announcement. “I especially appreciate their support as we transition (to this new challenge in our lives),” he added.
Harmon has been an educator for 27 years – serving as a teacher, coach, athletic director, instructional partner and, currently, as principal at Oxford High School.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education, English and history from Jacksonville State University, and a Master of Arts in secondary education, English and Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama, an educational specialist degree from the University of Alabama. He is also a graduate of the 2023 Alabama Superintendents Leadership Academy.
Harmon and his wife have two children, daughter Halaya, and son Hudson. Both graduated from Oxford High School. Their daughter graduated from Auburn University in 2023, and their son is currently a student at Auburn University.
