Starts July 2027
Friday, March 27, 2026
MIDVALE, Utah — The Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) is pleased to announce the hiring of J. Ryan Bishop as its seventh Executive Director in the organization’s 99-year history. Bishop will officially begin his tenure on July 1, 2026.
“The UHSAA has a strong history because of the people who have led and served before me,” said J. Ryan Bishop. “I’m honored to step into this role and look forward to building on that foundation to ensure high school activities remain an extension of the classroom and a meaningful part of every student’s experience.”
Bishop succeeds Rob Cuff, who announced his retirement earlier this year after 33 years in education and 25 years of dedicated service to the UHSAA, including 17 years as Executive Director. Under Cuff’s leadership, the Association experienced significant growth and modernization while continuing to serve students and athletes across the state of Utah.
“Ryan Bishop is an exceptional selection to lead the Utah High School Activities Association. His experience as a state championship coach, athletic director, principal, and former assistant director of the Association gives him a comprehensive understanding of the impact activities have on students and school communities,” said Board of Trustees Chair and Ogden School District Superintendent Luke Rasmussen. “Ryan is widely respected across the state and leads with integrity and a clear focus on what is best for kids.”
A native of Heber City, Bishop brings nearly three decades of experience in education and athletics. He graduated from Cedar High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Education from Southern Utah University before later completing a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
Bishop brings 27 years of diverse educational leadership, having served in impactful roles within the Box Elder, Davis, and Wasatch School Districts, as well as with the UHSAA. His career includes time as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and administrator. Most recently, he has served as Principal of Wasatch High School, where he was also an active member of the Utah Association of Secondary Schools Principals (UASSP) and served on its legislative council.
Bishop returns to the UHSAA after nine years, having previously served as an Assistant Director from 2014 to 2017. During his time at the Association, he oversaw baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, theatre, and track and field, while managing corporate sponsorships and leading coaches’ education initiatives.
One of Bishop’s notable achievements came during his tenure at Davis High School, where he served as Head Football Coach and led the Darts to a 5A State Championship in 2004.
Bishop’s extensive background in education-based activities, combined with his leadership experience at both the school and state levels, positions him well to guide the UHSAA into its next chapter.
Rasmussen concluded, “I also want to sincerely thank the Board of Trustees for their thoughtful leadership and diligence throughout this highly competitive selection process, which involved many talented applicants interested in this position. In addition, we are deeply grateful to outgoing Executive Director Rob Cuff for his years of dedicated service and the lasting impact he has had on students and activities across the state. We are fortunate to have a leader of Ryan’s caliber stepping into this role and we are excited for the future of the Association.”
As the Association approaches its centennial year, the UHSAA and its membership look forward to Bishop’s leadership in continuing to promote and support participation in high school activities that enhance the educational experience of students across Utah.
About the UHSAA
The Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) is the leadership organization for high school athletics and activities in Utah, serving more than 160 member schools and over 115,000 student participants statewide. The UHSAA administers 29 sanctioned sports and activities, while establishing rules, conducting state championships, and promoting sportsmanship and enhancing education-based experiences. Through its programs, the Association is committed to developing leadership, teamwork and character in students across Utah.