College Football Hall of Fame executive director Bernie Kish will be stepping down to assume a newly created position within the Foundation, Jon F. Hanson, Chairman of The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, Inc. (NFF), announced.
“Bernie has been the Hall of Fame’s only executive director since it opened in South Bend, Indiana in 1995,” said Chairman Hanson. “He has been a great ambassador, both nationally and locally, for the Hall. We are pleased that he will remain involved with the Foundation in the important role of developing the newly created Plains/Mountain Region and assisting in fundraising for the Hall.”
During Kish’s tenure, the Hall of Fame has grown to be recognized as one of the finest sports Halls of Fame in the country and a destination for everyone from the casual to the avid college football fan. The Hall plays host to over 200 special events each year, including the highly successful KeyBank Gridiron Legends Luncheon Series and an event-filled three-day Enshrinement Festival.
“Before Bernie became the Hall’s executive director, he was instrumental in the establishment of the NFF’s Jayhawk Chapter in Kansas,” said NFF President Bob Casciola. “His diverse talents, knowledge of the college football landscape, and familiarity with the NFF’s programs and personnel will make him an effective regional coordinator.”
“I have enjoyed the last 10 years immensely and look forward to the new challenge that presents itself,” said Bernie Kish. “The associations and friendships I have made while at the Hall are something that I treasure and will carry with me to my new position. There is an outstanding staff at the Hall, and I know it will continue to be an important and successful part of the Michiana community. My new position will still allow me to be involved with the Hall while at the same time spend more time with my family in Kansas.”
In this new role, Kish will oversee a 10 state area and assist in the development and implementation of all the NFF’s programs, including the NFL/NFF Coaching Academy, Play It Smart, and a variety of chapter functions as well as coordinating the region’s activities as it relates to local and national scholar-athlete awards and the College Football Hall of Fame. In addition, he will continue to be involved with fundraising efforts for the Hall of Fame.
A definite timetable for Kish’s departure has yet to be established. To allow for a smooth transition of leadership, Kish will remain on board until a successor is announced and in place.
With 119 chapters and over 13,000 members nationwide, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, a non-profit educational organization, runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in America’s young people. NFF programs include the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., PLAY IT SMART, The NFF Center for Youth Development Through Sport at Springfield College (Mass.), the NFL/NFF Coaching Academy, and annual scholarships of nearly $1 million for College and High School Scholar-Athletes. Learn more at www.footballfoundation.org.