Mike Colbrese
Executive Director
High School: Dawson County H.S. (GLENDIVE, MT)
Mike Colbrese is the Executive Director of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. He was named as the WIAA’s fourth executive director in the fall of 1993, after serving six years as the Commissioner of the Wyoming High School Activities Association. He also served as Assistant to the Executive Secretary of the Montana High School Association for five years. Mr. Colbrese taught high school English for 11 years and worked as a high school and college football and basketball official for 15 years.
Mr. Colbrese received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Eastern Montana College in 1971, his Master of Arts degree in English from the University of Montana in 1980, and completed administrative course work from Montana State University in 1987. He also attended Middlebury College's Bread Loaf School of English on a Rockefeller Grant in 1980.
Mr. Colbrese is in his second year of a four-year stint on the NFHS Board of Directors and has chaired the National Federation of State High School Association’s Coaches Education, Football Officials Manual, and Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Committees and recently completed a term as the Chair of the NFHS Track & Field Rules Committee. He has served on the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football, Basketball, and Track and Field Rules Committees.
He is a member of Seattle 4 Rotary, having served as the chair of the Community Service Committee and on the Board of Directors. He also serves on the Seattle Sports Commission Board of Directors.
Mr. Colbrese is a proud father of two daughters, Erin and Jennifer and one grandson, Tannen.
Contact: colbrese@wiaa.com
Cindy Adsit
Assistant Executive Director
High School: Hardin H.S. (HARDIN, MT)
The 2009-10 school year marks Cindy Adsit's 24th year with the WIAA, making her the longest tenured assistant executive director in the association's history. As an assistant executive director, Ms. Adsit oversees baseball, basketball, cheerleading, and volleyball for the WIAA. She also directs all state championships events, sanctions interstate and international contests, produces the Association's annual calendar and handbook and responds to all out-of-season coaching/participation issues. During her career with the WIAA, Ms. Adsit has had the opportunity to oversee every activity and sport under the WIAA jurisdiction, except for football and wrestling.
Before joining the WIAA, Ms. Adsit worked for the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department and officiated basketball and volleyball. She officiated volleyball at all levels, including Pac-10 and international matches. Ms. Adsit was the Executive Director of the Northwest Sports Foundation, which promoted sports opportunities for girls and women in the northwest region. She organized a girls summer basketball league and served as the Director of Basketball for the 1990 Goodwill Games.
Ms. Adsit, a native Montanan, competed in intercollegiate volleyball and basketball for Montana State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition in 1978. She was a Master of Science degree candidate in kinesiology at the University of Washington.
Ms. Adsit, an avid outdoorswoman, gardener, historian of the Indian Wars, and horse owner lives in Ravensdale with her son, Tanner.
Contact: cadsit@wiaa.com | (425) 282-5232
Andy Barnes
Assistant Executive Director
High School: Governor John R. Rogers H.S. (PUYALLUP, WA)
Andy Barnes is entering his fourth year as an assistant executive director at the WIAA. He was promoted from the WIAA production coordinator position which he served from February 2005 until July 2006. Mr. Barnes oversees swimming and diving, bowling, golf and tennis. He manages the Emerald City Volleyball Invitational, Emerald City Kickoff Classic and the WIAA Hall of Fame. Mr. Barnes also oversees the Academic Achievement program and the middle schools committee.
Mr. Barnes joined the WIAA staff after graduating from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Management and a minor in Business Administration. While at WSU, Mr. Barnes was part of the Cougar golf team in the spring of 2003. Mr. Barnes served the WIAA as an intern from May 2004 until October before accepting the production coordinator position.
Mr. Barnes enjoys playing golf, softball and basketball in his spare time.
Contact: abarnes@wiaa.com | (425) 282-5237
Teresa Fisher
Assistant Executive Director
High School: Centennial H.S. (CIRCLE PINES, MN)
Teresa Fisher comes to the WIAA with more than twenty-five years of experience in the educational field. She was a teacher, coach and high school athletic/activities administrator. As an assistant executive director, Ms. Fisher oversees dance and drill, gymnastics, cross country and track and field. Ms. Fisher also helps with student eligibility, medical aspects and works with the Washington State Athletic Administrators Association.
Ms. Fisher grew up in Minnesota where she graduated from Bemidji State University. She initially taught in Minneapolis, but educational career opportunities took her to Fairbanks, Alaska. She continued her career at North Pole High School in teaching, coaching and athletic/activities administration for twenty-one years. Her coaching assignments have included track and field, cross country, softball, tennis, volleyball, basketball and cheerleading. As an athletic administrator, she served as the Region VI Representative on the Alaska Schools Activities Association Executive Board for five years. She held offices of president and vice president during her tenure. Ms. Fisher was honored as Alaska's Athletic Director of the Year in 2002. In 2003, she served on the National Federation of State High School Association's (NFHS) hockey rules committee.
Ms. Fisher received her Certification for Athletic Directors (CAA) from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) in 2000. Ms. Fisher's educational experiences have included teaching biology, health and physical education. Her coaching assignments have included track and field, cross country, softball, tennis, volleyball, basketball and cheerleading.
Ms. Fisher, a sport enthusiast, keeps active by running, playing golf, hockey and tennis. She also enjoys traveling and spending time with her two daughters and their families, epecially her granddaughter Lillian.
Contact: tfisher@wiaa.com | (425) 282-5242
John Miller
Assistant Executive Director
High School: West Valley H.S. (SPOKANE, WA)
As the newest member of the WIAA executive staff, John Miller comes to the WIAA with over thirty years experience in public schools in the state of Washington. He was a teacher, coach and high school athletic/activities administrator. As an assistant executive director, Mr. Miller oversees football, wrestling, boys and girls soccer, softball and theater. He also helps with eligibility, classifications, coaches school, medical aspects and works with the Washington State Athletic Administrators Association.
Mr. Miller grew up in Spokane, where he attended West Valley High School and graduated from Whitworth University. He served as a teacher, coach and athletic director at Mead High School for 20 years. He has been the athletic director at Mt. Spokane High School for the past 11 years. During his career, Mr. Miller coached football, wrestling, track and field, baseball, softball and soccer.
Mr. Miller is a member of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and the Leadership Training Course Faculty and teaches classes at both the state and national levels.
For the past sixteen years, Mr. Miller has spent time each summer in Alaska coaching youth sports and fishing. He has two children, John and Jessica, as well as a new grandson.
Contact: jmiller@wiaa.com | (425) 988-6155
Jim Meyerhoff
Assistant Executive Director
High School: Puyallup H.S. (PUYALLUP, WA)
The 2009-10 school year marks Jim Meyerhoff's 40th year in the education and athletic realm and his 10th year as an assistant executive director for the WIAA. Mr. Meyerhoff works a reduced schedule and has the responsibilities for school classifications and allocations, the WIAA Coaches School, post-season WIAA wrestling events and the WIAA Wrestling Weight Management program. Mr. Meyerhoff currently serves as the 3A, 4A State Softball Tournament Manager and the WIAA District 3 Regional Facilitator for the WIAA Coaching Standards.
Mr. Meyerhoff was the mastermind and force behind the 50 Year Celebration of Wrestling, which culminated with an extravaganza and ceremony during the 2003 Mat Classic XV Wrestling Championships. He has also been at the forefront for promoting the growth of girls wrestling in the state. Because of Mr. Meyerhoff's vision and leadership, the 2004 Mat Classic XVI Wrestling Championships feature the inaugural girls invitational tournament, with 68 participants. The WIAA now sponsors Girls State Wrestling Championships as a part of Mat Classic. 632 girls participated in high school wrestling in the 2008-09 school year in Washington state.
The WIAA hired Mr. Meyerhoff in 2000 after he retired as the White River School District's Director of Athletics. Before joining the White River staff, Mr. Meyerhoff spent 21 years at Franklin Pierce High School, where he served as the head wrestling coach for 12 years, head softball coach for 14 years, assistant football coach for six years and head cross country coach for one year. Mr. Meyerhoff held the Director of Athletics position at Franklin Pierce High School for four years during his tenure at the school.
In addition to his extensive high school coaching experience, Mr. Meyerhoff also served as the head wrestling coach at Pacific Lutheran University from 1985-1988.
Mr. Meyerhoff graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 1970 where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree and was a standout wrestler.
Mr. Meyerhoff has supported athletics in numerous capacities throughout his career. He was among the leadership who was instrumental in the development of the "Mat Classic" state wrestling tournament in 1989 and was the tournament director for 12 years. He managed the 3A and 4A state softball tournaments for eight years and also managed numerous regional wrestling tournaments. Mr. Meyerhoff officiated and assigned officials for wrestling, served as the sports representative to the Washington Officials Association Board of Directors and served on the WIAA Representative Assembly.
Mr. Meyerhoff has been inducted into the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame (1989), the Washington State Athletic Directors Hall of Fame (2001), the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (2003), the National AAU Wrestling Hall of Fame (2007) and was honored by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrator's Association with the Distinguished Service Award at the 2004 National Conference.
Mr. Meyerhoff lives in Puyallup with his wife, Phyllis. They have one son and two grandchildren.
Contact: jmeyerho@wiaa.com | (425) 282-5234
Leah Francis
Director of Finance and Operations
High School: North Mason H.S. (BELFAIR, WA)
Leah Francis' primary role is to work with all of the financial and business aspects of the WIAA. Ms. Francis helps develop and maintain the WIAA's budget, and handles the Association's human resource issues. Ms. Francis also provides ticket inventories and controls for all regional and state events. In addition, Ms. Francis helps maintain the operations of the WIAA office building and surrounding property. She also oversees insurance and Labor and Industries issues for the WIAA and Washington Official's Association.
Ms. Francis earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Accounting from the University of Washington and earned her Master of Arts degree in Physical Education and Athletic Administration from Seattle Pacific University. During her time as a Husky, she competed on the UW softball team for four years where she was a member of the 1996 Pac-10 Championship team and the 1996 national runner-up team. Ms. Francis has coached softball for over ten years and currently is the head coach of the Bellevue College softball team.
Contact: lfrancis@wiaa.com | (425) 282-5238
Andy Knapp
Director of Marketing, Promotions, and Corporate Partners
High School: Camas H.S. (CAMAS, WA)
Andy Knapp develops and oversees the marketing of the WIAA to both internal and external groups. He works directly with the WIAA's corporate partners. Mr. Knapp is in charge of the promoting of school programs, the WIAA and the state championships.
Mr. Knapp earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English as well as a Sports Medicine minor from Whitman College. While at Whitman, he competed for four years on the golf team. Prior to arriving at the WIAA, Mr. Knapp worked in the marketing department for a Northwest golf management company.
Mr. Knapp has coached a 5th grade basketball team for a Seattle-area elementary school for the past six years. He lives in Bellevue with his wife, Darin.
Contact: aknapp@wiaa.com | (425) 282-5235
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Sarah Wisness
Director of Communication and Information
High School: Archbishop Murphy H.S. (EVERETT, WA)
Sarah Wisness is the primary contact for media members throughout the state. She prepares and monitors media for WIAA events and serves as the media coordinator for the WIAA's events. She develops, maintains and executes all aspects of radio and television contracts. s. Wisness monitors pass and banner distribution for the WIAA's events. She prepares news releases and produces the WIAA's monthly newsletter, FastBreak .
Ms. Wisness received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Western Washington University while playing on the golf team there for four years. She helped her team place fifth at the NCAA Division II National Championships. Ms. Wisness recevied her Master of Arts degree in Sports Management from Seattle University.
Ms. Wisness enjoys golfing and traveling and lives in Auburn with her husband, Justin and their dog, Maisey.
Contact: swisness@wiaa.com | (425) 282-5240
Shanon Burke
Manager of Publications
High School: Bethel H.S. (SPANAWAY, WA)
Shanon Burke is responsible for creating and publishing all souvenir programs for the WIAA state championships and special events. She designs all publication projects and contributes to the visual projects utilized by the WIAA.
Ms. Burke received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and History at the University of Washington. Before coming to the WIAA, Ms. Burke worked at a weekly newspaper and with the Puyallup School District.
Ms. Burke enjoys reading, cooking and traveling in her spare time.
Contact: sburke@wiaa.com | (425) 988-6166
Judi Badgley
Assistant to the Executive Director and Executive Board
High School: Wenatchee H.S. (WENATCHEE, WA)
Judi Badgley works closely with the executive director on all communication and scheduling items. She prepares agendas, packets and support materials for the WIAA Executive Board and other meetings. Mrs. Badgley also coordinates executive board travel, housing and catering arrangements.
Mrs. Badgley has three grown children with her husband, Bill, and three grandchildren. She enjoys reading and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Contact: jbadgley@wiaa.com
Bryson Bickler
Office Assistant
High School: Enumclaw H.S. (ENUMCLAW, WA)
Bryson Bickler's primary responsibilities include front desk administration and reception. He schedules and coordinates meetings and external building usage. He also is responsible for incoming mail, building maintenance and assists with combined co-ops and enrollment. Mr. Bickler works closely with the WIAA executive staff on preparations for the state championships and special events.
Mr. Bickler earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Management with a minor in Communication from Washington State University. He completed an internship at the WIAA prior to his current position.
Mr. Bickler lives in Auburn with his fiance, Lisa, and their puppy, Chloe.
Contact: bbickler@wiaa.com | (425) 988-6159
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Simon Hirsch
Technology Support Analyst/Enrollment Coordinator
High School: Franklin H.S. (SEATTLE, WA)
Simon Hirsch is responsible for providing consultation, support and training for the office staff on computers and other technology-based systems as well as Web site support for member school personnel. He maintains member school data, including student participation numbers, head coaching rosters, activities declared by schools and membership billing. Mr. Hirsch oversees the Member School Directory and handles inquiries from WOA Officials regarding Labor and Industries claims.
Mr. Hirsch received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Washington State University. Prior to working in his current role at the WIAA, he fulfilled the role of the production coordinator.
Mr. Hirsch lives in Renton with his wife, Christina . They are expecting their first child in February.
Contact: shirsch@wiaa.com | (425) 282-5243
Barbara Howard
Office Assistant
High School: Davis H.S. (YAKIMA, WA)
Barbara Howard assists the eligibility officers in obtaining and maintaining information and records for eligibility cases that are appealed to the state office.
Ms. Howard received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from University of Washington and her Masters in Education degree from Seattle Pacific University in Reading/Language Arts.
Contact: bhoward@wiaa.com | (425) 282-5239
Rita Roach
Office Assistant
High School: St. Joseph H.S. (LAKEWOOD, CA)
Rita Roach assists the eligibility officers in obtaining and maintaining information and records for eligibility cases that are appealed to the state office.
Ms. Roach received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology at the University of Washington and competed on the Huskies' softball team for four years. Prior to her current position at the WIAA, she fulfilled the role as the production coordinator.
Ms. Roach enjoys playing cricket and hopscotch, and traveling around the world in her spare time.
Contact: rroach@wiaa.com | (425) 988-6157
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Aaron Roetcisoender
Production Coordinator
High School: Mt. Vernon H.S. (MT. VERNON, WA)
Aaron Roetcisoender maintains proper mailing addresses for all member schools, committee members and related affiliate members. He coordinates the distribution of books and materials to all member schools. Mr. Roetcisoender also oversees administration of the Scholastic Achievement Program and the Athlete of the Week.
Mr. Roetcisoender received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and minored in Sports Management at Pacific Lutheran University. While there, he competed on the baseball team.
Mr. Roetcisoender enjoys softball, water recreation and coaching baseball. He lives in Tacoma with his wife, Jaime.
Contact: aaron@wiaa.com | (425) 282-5245
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