REGIONAL ATHLETIC DIRECTORS of the YEAR
Region 1 – PAUL JACOBSON (Negaunee) is a graduate of Negaunee High
School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Central Michigan
University along with a master’s degree from Northern Michigan University.
Paul began his career in education at Mt. Pleasant High School as a teacher
and football coach in 1992. In 1997, he took a teaching and varsity head
football coaching position at Negaunee High School. For the past 16 years,
Paul has served as an assistant principal at Negaunee Middle School and
High School, overseeing athletics while continuing to coach football.
Jake Skewis, athletic director at Westwood High School, writes, “Since
taking on my own role as athletic director, nobody has been as instrumental
in my growth and success as Paul. He serves as a mentor to all of the newer
ADs in both the West Pac and Mid Peninsula Conferences, and is always
willing to field questions whenever they have them. Paul has sustained and
built upon the great culture in athletics and academics at Negaunee High
School. Knowing him first as one of his players and students, then as a teacher and now as a colleague, Paul makes sure that Negaunee’s success is earned the right way. He holds his student-athletes accountable both on the fields and in the classroom and sets a great example of how an athletic department should be run. He’s approachable to all who have the pleasure of knowing him and is always willing and able to lend a hand.” An active member of the MIAAA, MHSFCA and MASSP, Paul has been a longtime fixture on the U.P. athletic committee. He is a seven-time MHSFCA regional coach of the year, two-time coach of the year and was inducted into the MHSFCA Hall of Fame in 2024. Paul is married to Pam and has a son, Luke, and two daughters, Allyson and Maddyson.
Region 2 – JOEL DOHM (Petoskey) is a graduate of Owosso High School.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University along
with master’s degrees from both Michigan State University and Marygrove
College. Joel began his career in education as a teacher at
Camden-Frontier, where he also coached varsity football and baseball.
He later spent 11 years as a teacher and coach at Ortonville Brandon
before taking the athletic director and assistant principal positions at
Petoskey Middle School. For the past six years, Joel has served as the
athletic director and an assistant principal at Petoskey High School.
Deidra Gamble, principal at Petoskey High School, writes, “ Joel’s
dedication to our student-athletes is unparalleled. He truly believes
in supporting them, not only on the field, but also in their academics
and personal growth, fostering meaningful connections with each individual.
He is present at events throughout the week, ensuring that coaches,
players and fans have an exceptional experience. Joel has championed the development of a state-of-the-art athletic facility and emphasized the importance of weight training in athletic success. His leadership has been instrumental in providing opportunities for all students to participate and thrive and his commitment has translated into tremendous success for our sports programs.” Joel is an executive committee member for the Beyond the Scoreboard group, an organization that recognizes athletes in the Emmet and Charlevoix county areas who go above and beyond in displaying positive character and sportsmanship. He is also the current treasurer for the Big North Conference. Joel is married to Jennifer and has three sons, Tate, Tyler and Rowan.
Region 3 – SHAUN MULDER (McBain) is a graduate of McBain High School. He
holds a bachelor’s degree in sport management from Northwood University
along with an associate’s degree in business from Northwood University. Shaun
has spent 13 years as the athletic director at McBain High School and Middle
School, moving from an initial part-time role to a full-time position at the school.
He currently serves as the varsity baseball coach at McBain. Bruce Koopman,
the boys varsity basketball coach at McBain, writes, “Shaun exemplified the
role of student-athlete during his playing career. He played with passion and
determination all while displaying sportsmanship and performing at a high
level in the classroom. Drawing from all of his experiences as an athlete and
utilizing the same traits that made him a great player and teammate, Shaun
has been instrumental in overseeing McBain athletics perform at a high level.
His guidance and leadership continue to push McBain athletics.” An MHSAA
registered official, Shaun has been the secretary for the Highland Conference for the past eight years. He is a coach and the chairman for the McBain Pop Warner Football Association and has also volunteered as a coach for a variety of other community sports. Shaun is married to Courtney and has three boys, Ben, Max and Joey.
Region 4 –BRADY LAKE (Byron Center) is a graduate of St. Charles High
School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Michigan State
University, a social studies teaching certificate from Eastern Michigan
University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Saginaw
Valley State University. Prior to becoming a school administrator, Brady
taught social studies and coached at Beal City High School for three years
and at his alma mater, St. Charles High School, for nine years. Currently,
Brady is in his sixth year as the athletic director at Byron Center High School.
Jeff Wierzbicki, assistant superintendent for Byron Center Schools, writes,
“Through his experiences as an athlete, teacher, coach, principal and
athletic director, Brady has crafted a blueprint for success in Byron Center.
His passion, drive and ambition are unparalleled and, under his leadership,
Byron Center athletics have flourished. The systems and processes he has
put in place have empowered athletes and coaches to achieve excellence.
Brady’s focus isn’t just on winning games or matches, but rather on fostering
positive attributes and instilling core values in student-athletes and traits that will serve them well in whatever future endeavors they pursue. While athletic success is evident under Brady’s tenure, it is the broader impact on student-athletes’ lives that is the most meaningful.” Brady has coached youth and high school sports for more than 25 years, including high school football and track and youth baseball and basketball. Brady is married to Jen and has two sons, Cole and Will.
Region 5 –ALAN FARNQUIST, CAA (Paw Paw), is a graduate of Sault Ste.
Marie High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan
University in physical education and a master’s degree from Grand Valley State
University in educational leadership. Alan began his career in education in
Bloomingdale, where he served as a math and physical education teacher for
17 years. Beginning in 2014, he also took over athletic director duties for
Bloomingdale. In 2020, Alan took the athletic director position at Paw Paw,
where he has served since. Rick Reo, superintendent for Paw Paw Schools,
writes, “Alan is a detail-oriented and visible administrator who has worked
hard to update Paw Paw’s athletic department since taking over his role.
Alan developed our ‘champions’ mission for the athletic department that
prides itself on the development of positive character attributes, academic
excellence, sportsmanship and community involvement among its student-athletes and programs as a whole. His efforts in promoting high standards of ethics, sportsmanship and personal conduct among administration, coaches, staff, student-athletes and the community are greatly appreciated.” Alan has prioritized professional development and collaborative learning among coaches and staff at all levels of Paw Paw’s athletic programs, from youth sports on up through middle school and high school athletics. His leadership has helped Paw Paw become one of the MHSAA CAP leaders throughout the state. Alan has been an LTI instructor for the annual conference, served on the MHSAA scholar-athlete committee, the MIAAA scholarship committee and helped to initiate an officiating summit for the Wolverine Conference to train and educate new student officials. Alan is married to Jessica and has two sons, Anderson and Cal.
Region 6 – BRIAN ZALUD, CAA (Grass Lake), is a graduate of Grand
Rapids Northview High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in social
studies from Grand Valley State University and a master’s degree in
public administration and school principalship from the University of
Michigan Flint. Brian served as a middle school social studies teacher
for Ovid-Elsie area schools for more than 11 years before taking on the
role of athletic director and assistant principal at Grass Lake in 2017,
where he has spent the last seven years. Throughout his career in
education, Brian has also coached football, cross country and track
at Grand Rapids Northview, Ovid-Else, Owosso and Grass Lake.
Nicholas Angel, superintendent for Grass Lake Schools, writes, “Brian
has not only been an exemplary leader within our league, but has also
cultivated a strong culture of excellence and inclusion within his own school community. Through a balanced approach of high expectations and unwavering support, Brian has fostered a positive environment where student athletes, coaches and staff are empowered to thrive both on and off the field. This is where his mark is most felt: the Warrior Way means something to our community. This ideal is directly inspired from the value that Brian and his team’s place on character education, respect for tradition and embracement of the role of good sportsmanship.” Brian is the current MIAAA Region 6 alternate representative and has served as the secretary, vice president and president for the Cascades Conference. He helped to oversee the Cascades Conference expansion to 12 teams, was a member of the MHSAA scholar-athlete committee and is a member of the Grass Lake recreation planning, hall of fame and strategic planning committees. Brian is married to Annmarie and has a daughter, Carmen.
Region 7 – TODD FARMER, CMAA (Coldwater), is a graduate of Grand
Haven High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan
University in geography and a master’s degree from Western Michigan
University in sports administration. Todd began his career in education
as the assistant principal and athletic director at Martin schools, where
he spent four years. He then took the athletic director and assistant
principal role at Reeths-Puffer schools, where he served 14 years, before
taking on the Coldwater schools athletic director position where he has
spent the past seven years. Ryan Hackworth, athletic director at Brooklyn
Columbia Central, writes, “Todd does an excellent job representing
Coldwater with class and continues to provide strong leadership and vision
on improving the athletic program at the school. He has a natural ability to
connect with people and a strong, confident way in coaching others. Todd
is a trusted and respected member of the athletic director fraternity. He is an exceptional role model and an invaluable asset to Coldwater, the I-8 and the MHSAA as he continues to impact the interscholastic sports landscape in a positive manner.” Todd was named middle school athletic director of the year in 2013, earned his CMAA certification in 2020 and has helped to establish a unified sports program at Coldwater High School. While at Reeths-Puffer, he started a youth flag football league and has created a leadership team of varsity athletes at Coldwater. Todd has helped raise more than $200,000 at Coldwater for cancer patients through a trust and the “Purple Games” held in the community. Todd is married to Julie and has a daughter, Ellory, and a son, Logan.
Region 8 –DAVE SCHWARTZ (Garber) is a graduate of Bay City John Glenn
High School. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Central
Michigan University. Dave began his career in education at Mt. Pleasant High
School, where he served as a physical education teacher and assistant varsity
football coach for eight years, before taking a similar position at Corunna
High School. For the past 26 years, Dave has served as the athletic director
for Garber schools. During that time he was also the varsity head football c
oach for Garber 11 years, spent 11 years as an assistant varsity football
coach at Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central, continued to teach in the Garber
district for 10 years and held additional leadership positions, including
middle school assistant principal and community education director.
Matt LaFleur, head coach of the Green Bay Packers and a former
student-athlete at Mt. Pleasant, writes, “A great coach or leader is
one who is able to inspire and motivate through effective communication.
They are highly organized, instill discipline and put forth the maximum effort to get the most out of their players and coaches. I firmly believe that these traits are the reason why Coach Schwartz has had so much success over the years. The countless hours that he devotes to his athletes throughout the school year and into the summer months is nothing short of extraordinary. He has always been a great model and an inspiration for the true meaning of a leader.” A past MIAAA regional athletic director of the year award winner in 2016, Dave was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2021. He is four-time football regional coach of the year, four-time Tri-Valley Conference football coach of the year, a 2009 recipient of the Detroit Lions State Coach of the Week award and two-time Associated Press football coach of the year. He was named to the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers list in 2006 and was the recipient of the Paul Hardy Essexville Hampton Community Humanitarian Award in 2022. Dave has been instrumental in fundraising efforts to upgrade the gymnasium and weight room at Garber and helps in coordinating the Ben VanSumeren Philadelphia Eagles Football Camp. Dave is married to Angie and has a daughter, Braelyn.
Region 9 –CASEY LOMBARD, CMAA (Holly), is a graduate of Ithaca
High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education
from Saginaw Valley State University, where he was also a member of
the golf team, a master’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University
teaching and a Michigan administrator’s certificate through the MASSP
path to leadership program. Casey has spent 20 years in education, all
within Holly Area Schools. He spent two years as a social studies and
math teacher at the alternative education high school, before shifting to
High School, where he taught math for 12 years. After 14 years as a
teacher and coach, Casey was named the athletic director for Holly Area
Schools where he has served the past six years. Eric Curl, principal at
Holly High School, writes, “ Casey’s commitment to building meaningful
relationships is evident in his daily interactions with students, coaches and families. He prioritizes visibility at events, is readily available with an open-door policy and consistently engages in conversations - whether uplifting or guiding in moments of challenge. Casey’s open communication has fostered trust and respect, making our athletes and coaches feel heard, supported and valued. Even in difficult conversations, his listening ability reflects his commitment to our student-athletes’ well-being and growth. He exemplifies the qualities of not only an outstanding athletic director, but an exceptional human being, one who genuinely cares about student success, leads with integrity and sets an inspiring example for others.” Casey is the co-NIAAA state coordinator for certification for Michigan, is an LTC course instructor and serves on the MIAAA professional development and strategic planning committees. He is a member of the MHSAA ski committee, the current president for the Flint Metro League and is the Flint Metro League Stripes Division Kiwanis representative. Casey is the chair of the Broncho Hall of Fame committee and leads a student-athlete advisory council at Holly that volunteers monthly with Fueling Kids Futures to help with their monthly food delivery and packing backpacks for students in need. Casey is married to Mandy and has three daughters, Madison, Olivia and Jordan.
Region 10 – CHAD BALLEE (Warren Cousino) is a graduate of
Maconaquah (IN) High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in
sports science and health from Defiance College along with an
additional bachelor’s degree from Manchester College in K-12
physical education and health. Chad spent two years as a teacher
and athletic director at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic School before
taking on a teacher and athletic director position at St. Clair Shores
South Lake for two years. Chad later served four years as the athletic
coordinator at L’Anse Creuse North High School before taking the
athletic director role at Warren Cousino, where he has spent the
last three years. Cody Smith, RAA, athletic director at Romeo, writes,
“Chad is a truly valuable asset to absolutely any team, especially the
Macomb Area Conference. He is usually the first phone call I make
when a question or concern arises and he is able to lend a hand. Along with his unquestionable participation, Chad has always been an absolute joy to work with. He is a true team player by always putting the conference ahead of his specific school and always manages to foster positive discussions and brings the best out of other athletic administrators in the room. As a dedicated and knowledgeable athletic director and an all-around great person, I know that Chad is the example of what all athletic administrators should strive to be.” Chad has served as president of the Macomb Area Conference and is a current scheduler for the conference. Chad is also the Macomb Area Conference committee chair for boys and girls swim, softball and social media. He is an SEMLAC representative and has been a part of the MHSAA bowling, track and field, and basketball site selection committees. Chad helped coach NFL flag football for six years and has helped out in coaching youth baseball and softball for four years. Chad is married to Sara and has a daughter, Anderson and a son, Ace.
Region 11 – JASON MALLOY (Westland John Glenn), is a graduate of
Robichaud High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from
Western Michigan University, where he was a four-year member and
starter on the football team, a master’s degree in sport administration
from Central Michigan University, and an administrative certification
in K-12 education from the Michigan Association of Secondary School
Principals. Jason served as an elementary school teacher for six years
at Allen Academy, Chapelle Academy and the Adams STEM Academy
before taking on the role of dean of students at Ypsilanti High School.
He served as Adams STEM principal for three years and spent a year
as the dean of student at University YES Academy before returning to
his alma mater, Robichaud, as the district athletic director. Jason spent
four years at Robichaud before taking the role of district athletic
director for Southfield schools. For the past five years, he has served Wayne-Westland schools, first as the athletic director at Wayne Memorial and most recently in the same position at John Glenn. Scott Kelley, principal at John Glenn High School, writes, “Jason’s strategic vision and ability to inspire both coaches and athletes have been instrumental in the athletic department successes at John Glenn. One his most significant contributions is his commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all student-athletes. He has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at promoting sportsmanship, teamwork and academic excellence. Jason is an active and respected member of the broader athletic community. His involvement in the MHSAA, league leadership and county sports demonstrates his commitment to advancing the field of athletics and supporting his peers.” Jason is a current member of the MHSAA representative council and sits on the MIAAA board as the recording secretary. He is a member of the MIAAA diversity and equity committee and has served on the MHSAA public relations and awards committees. Jason is the founder and camp director for the Next Level Football Camp organization, a non-profit camp that provides student-athletes with the opportunity to learn the game of football. He has also spent time as an assistant and head coach at Ypsilanti Lincoln, Ann Arbor Pioneer, Robichaud, Concordia University, and Wayne State University. A member of the Robichaud Hall of Fame, Jason has started a number of initiatives at John Glenn, including partnering with the Detroit Lions to create a fueling station for students, creating the John Glenn Hall of Fame, securing funding for a new strength and conditioning center and leading the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at each school he has served at as athletic director. Jason is married to Ornella and has three daughters, Arianna, Jada and Zuri.
Region 12 – RICKY GONZALEZ (Detroit Voyageur) is a graduate of
Lapeer West High School. Ricky began his career in education at
Warren Michigan Collegiate, where he held roles including paraprofessional,
lead behavior specialist and assistant athletic director. While at Michigan
Collegiate, he also coached football, track and field, middle school
volleyball, and both middle and high school basketball. For the past
five years, Ricky has served as the athletic director, varsity head
football coach and track and field head coach at Detroit Voyageur.
Jay Alexander, executive director for the Detroit Public School League,
writes, “Ricky is very influential within our league and one of the best
up-and-coming athletic directors out there. He is creative and has learned
how to do more with less to ensure that his student-athletes, coaches,
and the community at Detroit Voyageur all have a positive experience
in interscholastic athletics. His program at Detroit Voyageur teaches athletes not only the fundamental skills to be successful in athletes, but character traits such as leadership, work ethic and integrity that will better them in life.” A native of southwest Detroit, Ricky has shown a determination to provide the necessary leadership and resources to his students to make athletic opportunities possible. He has been influential in helping many of his students graduate high school and become involved in athletics. Ricky has been a member of the MHSAA football rules committee and is on the officials selection committees for football and basketball. Currently, he serves as the president of the Charter School Conference.
Region 13 – ED SACK, CAA (Roeper), is a graduate of Lansing
Waverly High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern
Michigan University, where he was a four-year member and starter
for the soccer team, along with a master’s degree from Marygrove
College. Ed has spent more than 30 years at Roeper. He was a
physical education teacher from 1993-2015 before taking over the
athletic director position, in which he has served since. Ed has been
the track and field varsity coach at Roeper since 1996 and the boys
soccer varsity coach since 1998 while also helping out in middle
school soccer, basketball, volleyball and track and field. Tim Donnan,
CAA, athletic director at Southfield Christian, writes “During my time
working and getting to know Ed, he has demonstrated that he is a
person who puts students first. He constantly works to provide
valuable and unique experiences for his students and community.
Ed fights for what is right and good about high school and middle school athletics and defends it with sound research-based information to provide needed support for his athletes. His proactive and creative approach to his craft has positively impacted not only the students at Roeper, but also students across our conference and region.” An accomplished soccer coach, Ed currently ranks in the top 10 all-time in MHSAA victories and led Roeper to a state championship in 2014. He has been named state coach of the year, Oakland County coach of the year, regional coach of the year five times, district coach of the year seven times and MIAC coach of the year nine times. In track, Ed has also been named Oakland County coach of the year and is an eight-time MIAC coach of the year recipient. A district and regional representative for the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association on several occasions, Ed has led spirit weeks at Roeper that have connected students with the community and raised more than $50,000 for Alternatives for Girls, Grace Centers of Hope, Special Olympics, Lymphoma Society and Moms for Marines. He is also working with the Special Olympics to serve as a unified games site and host skills clinics as part of Roeper’s spirit week.
Region 14 – JENNIFER DOMAGALSKI (East and North Rockford
Middle Schools) is a graduate of Rockford High School. She holds a
bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University along with a
master’s degree from George Mason University. Jennifer began her
career in education as a middle school physical education and ELA inclusion
teacher in North Carolina, where she also coached middle school and JV
volleyball, middle school and varsity girls basketball and middle school girls
soccer and cross country. She later served for five years in Virginia, three
as an elementary teacher and two as an elementary assistant principal before
returning to Michigan. For the past six years, Jennifer has served as the
athletic director at East Rockford and North Rockford middle schools.
Adam Burkholder, East Rockford principal, writes, “Jen is deeply passionate
about student involvement and growth. She is committed to creating
opportunities for all students to engage in athletes, recognizing the critical role sports play in fostering teamwork, discipline and self-confidence. Jen’s leadership extends beyond the field or court; she is a mentor who guides students in becoming well-rounded individuals prepared for success both in and out of school.” Jennifer serves as the West Michigan Middle School Conference division representative and was named West Iredell Middle School teacher of the year in 2012. She has been influential in Rockford in coordinating athletic community service projects, youth programs, camps and improving the alignment and collaboration from the youth programs to the high school programs.
