(Phoenix, AZ) The Arizona Interscholastic Association has announced that Nathan Slater and Toni Corona will be joining the staff as Associate Executive Directors beginning July 1.
With the previous announcement of Dr. Jim Dean assuming the role of Executive Director to begin the next school year and the retirement of longtime Director of Sports and Activities Dean Visser this June, the AIA was able to bring aboard both administrators by enhancing the day-to-day governance of the association without increasing operating costs. Both administrators have vast experience at the school, district, conference and state levels, and have had success working with parents to achieve success for students.
“To move forward and realize our vision of prioritizing the needs of our member schools, having two Associate Executive Directors with outstanding reputations in large and small school settings gives us the opportunity to meet those needs of our member schools, our student-athletes and our parents,” Dr. Dean said.
Slater comes to the AIA from his position as District Athletic Director for Scottsdale schools. Prior to his position within the SUSD, Slater has also previously worked as principal of Arcadia High School, assistant principal at Saguaro High School, and Athletic Director at Coronado High School. He currently serves as the 5A Conference representative on the AIA Executive Board, an appointment he will step down from at the end of the school year.
“I’m excited to join the team at the AIA to continue the legacy David Hines has built with Dr. Dean and support all of our AIA member schools,” said Slater. “I’m happy to be working directly with schools that I have built relationships with over time. I am also extremely thankful for my 31 years in the Scottsdale Unified School District and now looking forward to the opportunity to serve Arizona education-based athletics.”
Dr. Dean added, “His experience as a school principal, coach, athletic director and district athletic director, along with serving on the Executive Board, brings a great perspective to the association. Nathan has worked with many schools from various communities, which only helps us understand the needs of those communities.”
Corona previously served two terms on the AIA Executive Board, including governing as president of the body during the COVID pandemic. It was through her leadership that the AIA was able to function at full capacity while giving guidance to the member schools through that difficult period and keeping Arizona high school sports going. In her current role as athletic director at Safford High School, Corona has been a go-to figure for small school administrators in Southern Arizona.
“Having spent 26 years working in educational athletics, I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of sports in shaping young lives,” Corona shared. “Not only am I eager to bring my background and passion for educational athletics to the AIA staff and member schools, but I am particularly excited for the opportunity to serve the stakeholders I have worked alongside for years to continue our shared mission of fostering growth and development. It is an honor to provide guidance for our athletic administrators as we continue to create positive experiences for student-athletes across Arizona.”
“We’re excited about the experience Toni brings to the association,” Dr. Dean said. “She has worked within the 1A and 3A settings, as well as being a consistent resource for small school athletic directors from around the state. Her skills and expertise will be a major boost for the association.”
Both Slater and Corona will have important roles of corresponding with the member schools and stakeholders, serving as leads for bylaw and policy inquiries. They will also take on roles as tournament coordinators for selected sports and activities, leading the Student Leadership Advisory Committee, and working with the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.
Since its inception, the AIA has created and sustained interscholastic activities that encourage maximum student participation by providing member schools with an even playing field to ensure fair and equitable competition. Through its Arizona member schools, the AIA reaches more than 125,000 participants in high school activity programs. The organization hosts 1,400 postseason contests, officiates more than 45,000 regular season events, and handles 110,000 officials assignments annually.
Press Release courtesy of the Arizona Athletic Association – Seth Polansky
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