OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 9, 2026) — Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) Executive Director David Jackson will retire June 30, 2027, concluding a distinguished 31 year career with the association, including 11 years of service as executive director.
“I have truly cherished my time at the OSSAA,” Jackson said in a statement released by OSSAA Wednesday. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some outstanding people, and I feel incredibly blessed to have spent my career supporting education-based activities. It has been an honor to serve our member schools and the students of Oklahoma.”
OSSAA Board President Matt Holder, superintendent of Sulphur Public Schools, expressed the Board’s appreciation for Jackson’s leadership and legacy.
“David Jackson has provided outstanding leadership to the OSSAA, and his impact on Oklahoma high school activities will be felt for many years to come,” Holder said. “He has approached his role with integrity, professionalism and a genuine commitment to students, coaches, administrators and member schools across our state.”
Holder also outlined the Board’s approach to the upcoming leadership transition.
“As we begin the process of identifying our next executive director, the Board of Directors will conduct a thorough and deliberate search focused on finding the right individual to lead the OSSAA into its next chapter,” he said. “We will look for a leader who understands the importance of educational-based activities, values our member schools and communities, and can build upon the strong foundation that has been established. This is an important decision for Oklahoma students and schools, and the Board is committed to a process that gives us the best opportunity to identify the right person for this important role.”
Jackson, a graduate of Pauls Valley High School who went on to teach, coach and serve as an administrator for the PV school district, joined the OSSAA in 1996 as an assistant director. He later served as associate executive director before being appointed executive director in 2016. His tenure has been marked by steady leadership, modernization of association operations, strengthened relationships with member schools, and an unwavering commitment to education based activities across Oklahoma. Jackson also served a 3-year term on the NFHS Board of Directors and was the NFHS president during the 2018-19 school year.
Jackson will continue to lead the association through the 2026–27 school year, according to OSSAA, to ensure a smooth and stable transition as the Board conducts its search.
