NMAA’S Tripp Resigns

Eight-year Reign Ends Suddenly

The New Mexico Activities Association started its Friday morning with this startling development — it needs a new executive director.

Gary Tripp unexpectedly resigned Thursday night, the NMAA confirmed Friday to the Journal.

“We don’t have any other information right now. It was a shock to everyone,” said Dusty Young, the NMAA’s new communications director.

Phone messages left for Tripp were not returned Friday.

Young said the NMAA’s board of directors has scheduled an emergency meeting — via conference call — at 9 a.m. Tuesday. The board is responsible for approving the executive director’s contract.

The agenda will include appointing an interim executive director, plus creating a

process and timeline for selecting a permanent replacement for Tripp.

Tripp’s resignation — Young did not classify it as a retirement — comes at a very unusual time, since the new school year is just beginning.

For Tripp, it is the second time in 14 months that he’s stepped down from this job. He announced his retirement in June 2011. About six weeks later, he reversed course and said he would be staying.

Tripp completed his eighth school year as the NMAA’s executive director. He took over in March 2004.

He is a former civics teacher, coach, athletic director and was Rio Rancho High’s principal when the NMAA hired him. Two of the major changes that occurred under his watch were the creation of the NMAA Foundation, a separate nonprofit organization that raises money to provide scholarships and grants to New Mexico students in athletics and activities; and helping to get a seeding process implemented for playoffs in a number of sports.

Meanwhile, Young, a longtime member of the NMAA staff, will fill the position vacated by Robert Zayas, whose final day as associate director was Friday.

Zayas on Sept. 1 will become executive director of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.