NCHSAA unanimously agrees on new commissioner

CHAPEL HILL — The North Carolina High School Athletic Association Board of Directors unanimously selected Brad Alford as the Association’s next Commissioner.

Alford will begin a transition period with the Association on Aug. 24, the NCHSAA said in a press release, working alongside current Commissioner Que Tucker before officially assuming the role on Oct. 1, 2026, upon Tucker’s retirement.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Brad Alford as the next Commissioner of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association,”   NCHSAA President Mark Garrett said on July 23. “We were fortunate to have an exceptionally talented and competitive pool of candidates, but Alford set himself apart through his depth of experience and clear vision for the future of the NCHSAA.

“Throughout this search, the Board remained focused on the priorities and qualities identified by our member schools and stakeholders. We are confident that Alford is the right leader to build on our strong foundation and guide the Association into its next chapter. I want to thank my fellow Board members for their dedication and thoughtful work throughout this process. Their commitment ensured a thorough search and an outstanding outcome for the future of the NCHSAA.”

Alford currently serves as Director of the Office of Athletics for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), where he oversees statewide governance and administration of interscholastic athletics for North Carolina’s public schools. He also serves as the State Superintendent’s designee for interscholastic athletics and represents NCDPI on the NCHSAA Board of Directors.

Prior to joining NCDPI in 2025, Alford spent nearly 15 years with the NCHSAA, beginning as an intern in 2010 before serving in increasingly senior leadership roles, most recently as Assistant Commissioner for Sports, Championships, and Compliance.

During his tenure with the Association, Alford helped oversee championship operations, sport administration, compliance, governance, and major statewide initiatives.

Commissioner Tucker expressed her confidence in the Association’s future under Alford’s leadership.

“I offer my sincere congratulations to Brad as he returns to the NCHSAA,” Tucker said. “Having previously served on the staff, he brings an understanding of the role and responsibilities of a state athletic association, as well as a commitment to its mission and vision. 

“I believe Brad will build upon the tradition of excellence established at the NCHSAA and continue to promote its reputation as a national model within the NFHS family. I look forward to seeing the Association flourish under his leadership.”

As Alford prepares to return to the Association in its top leadership role, he stated he is committed to building upon the NCHSAA’s long tradition of serving member schools while continuing to provide meaningful opportunities for student-athletes across North Carolina.

“I am honored and humbled by the confidence the Board of Directors has placed in me to serve as the next Commissioner of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association,” Alford said. 

“I sincerely thank the Board of Directors for its trust and President Mark Garrett for his leadership throughout the search process. Having had the privilege of serving the Association for nearly 15 years, I am grateful for the opportunity to return and lead the NCHSAA as its next Commissioner. 

“I look forward to serving our member schools and working alongside our partners across North Carolina as we preserve what makes the Association strong while advancing education-based athletics and expanding opportunities for every student-athlete to learn, compete, and grow.”