ILH would like
to hire new executive
director by June

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By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.com

The Interscholastic League of Honolulu is advertising for an executive director for the athletic league that serves 13,000 students from 25 private schools.

The ILH wants to fill the position by June 1, league president Tony Ramos said. He said the pay for the league's top administrator could be at least $50,000 per year, "depending on who we get."

"The salary will be competitive with executive director positions in other leagues," he said.

Clay Benham, who died in April, was the league's top administrator for 32 years, holding the title of executive secretary.

Since Benham's death, four ILH athletic directors -- Don Botelho (Mid-Pacific, retired), Jim Bukes (University), Blane Gaison (Kamehameha) and John Hom (Pac-Five) -- have shared the league's executive administrative duties.

"They really did a fantastic job," Ramos said. "But they are in an interim capacity. We'd hoped to get a director by (last) September."

A search committee has been formed, Ramos said. It is comprised of Punahou president Kevin Conway, Academy of the Pacific president Dorothy Dowsett, Maryknoll athletic director Pattie Heatherly, Sacred Hearts athletic director Wade Okamura, Hawaii High School Athletic Association executive director Keith Amemiya and Ramos, who is principal at Kamehameha Schools.

Ramos said the league's executive director should have "a strong background of working with people."

"The ILH is unique because each of the 25 schools has its own mission. The ILH is not a system, but when it comes to athletics we want a level playing field," Ramos said.

Ramos didn't rule out candidates who haven't worked in high-school sports in Hawaii, but such experience could be valuable.

"One of our goals is to work well with the other leagues and have relationships," he said. "But the person could be someone from out of state."

Applicants should submit a letter of qualifications and interest, resume, names and contact information for three to five references. Applications will be held in strict confidence. Submit to: HHSAA - ILH SEARCH, P.O. Box 62029, Honolulu, HI 96839. The deadline to apply is Jan. 31.

For more information, see the HHSAA Web site (sportshigh.com).

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HHSAA