COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (January 23, 2009) - National Junior College Athletic Association Executive Director, Wayne Baker, has announced that he will resign from the position effective immediately due to personal reasons, capping a 24-year tenure with the organization that included five years as Executive Director.
"It has been my pleasure to spend the last 24 years of my life working on behalf of student-athletes within the NJCAA," said Baker on his stepping down. "More than anything else, I will miss the contact with the volunteers and friends that I have established within the organization. My sincere appreciation to those staff members that have worked to make the NJCAA the quality organization that it is today. A special thank you to Mary Ellen Leicht, a consummate employee and a better friend.
"It has been my pleasure to spend the last 24 years of my life working on behalf of student-athletes within the NJCAA," said Baker on his stepping down. "More than anything else, I will miss the contact with the volunteers and friends that I have established within the organization. My sincere appreciation to those staff members that have worked to make the NJCAA the quality organization that it is today. A special thank you to Mary Ellen Leicht, a consummate employee and a better friend.
"Due to personal and health related reasons, I must move on to the next chapter in my life and also turn my attention to those that need me most right now, and that is my family. Once again, my sincere appreciation to all those individuals that have volunteered their service and time to make the NJCAA experience a memorable one for all involved."
As Executive Director, Baker helped lead the organization through many significant changes, including strengthening NJCAA eligibility standards, gender equity improvements and increased membership and student-athlete participation.
Baker became just the second Executive Director in NJCAA history in August of 2004 after serving 10 years as Associate Executive Director. His first position with the NJCAA was as Eligibility Administrator. In 1994 Baker was promoted to Associate Executive Director where he handled the day-to-day operations of the Men's Division.
NJCAA President Art Becker has named current Associate Executive Director Mary Ellen Leicht as the acting Executive Director. The organization will soon launch an official search committee to find a successor.
"I want to thank Wayne for his 24 years of loyal service to the NJCAA," said President Becker. "Under his direction the organization has prospered, growing in size and influence. His resignation leaves a significant void, however our Officers, Executive Committee and the NJCAA National Office staff will step up to meet this challenge. We all wish Wayne the best of luck in his future endeavors."
"I want to thank Wayne for his 24 years of loyal service to the NJCAA," said President Becker. "Under his direction the organization has prospered, growing in size and influence. His resignation leaves a significant void, however our Officers, Executive Committee and the NJCAA National Office staff will step up to meet this challenge. We all wish Wayne the best of luck in his future endeavors."
