Becky Oakes, director of sports with the National Federation of State High School Associations for the past 11 years, has announced her retirement, effective this summer.

Oakes serves as staff liaison, rules interpreter and editor of NFHS publications in the sports of track and field, cross country, volleyball and gymnastics, and she previously handled similar duties for water polo and swimming and diving. Oakes also has directed the NFHS Task Force on Inclusion and the development of workshop topics for the annual NFHS Summer Meeting.

Prior to joining the NFHS staff in February 2006, Oakes was executive director of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) for 13 years. She was named executive director of the MSHSAA in 1992 after serving 10 years as assistant and associate director of the organization. She was only the second female to be named director of a state high school association on a full-time basis.

Shortly after assuming duties as MSHSAA executive director, Oakes was appointed to a four-year term on the NFHS Board of Directors, and in 1996, she was the first female to be elected president of the NFHS.

From 1976 until joining the MSHSAA in 1982, Oakes was a teacher, coach and athletic director in the Waynesville (Missouri) Fort Leonard Public School District, where she was a two-time Missouri Track and Cross Country Coaches Association coach of the year.

A 1972 graduate of Rolla (Missouri) High School, Oakes earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education from Southwest Missouri State University in 1975 and her master’s degree in secondary school administration from Central Missouri State University in 1986.

In addition to her experience as a volleyball, basketball and track coach, Oakes was a registered MSHSAA volleyball official for six years and has also been a softball umpire. As a participant in high school and college, Oakes played field hockey, volleyball and softball.

During her 10 years as assistant/associate director at the Missouri association, Oakes administered the sports of softball, swimming, volleyball, and track and field. She also handled speech and debate, music, cheerleading, coaches education and sportsmanship programs at various times.

Prior to joining the NFHS staff, Oakes was chair of the NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee for eight years and served on the NFHS Appeal Board and the NFHS Foundation Board of Directors.

The NFHS is currently accepting applications for the Director of Sports position. A letter of application and resume, including salary history and list of references, should be directed to Davis Whitfield, NFHS chief operating officer, PO Box 690, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206, by March 1.