Utah High School Activities Assoc. names Heber native as new Executive Director

The Utah High School Activities Association has announced the hiring of J. Ryan Bishop, a Heber City native, as its seventh executive director. Photo: courtesy of UHSAA

MIDVALE, Utah — The Utah High School Activities Association has announced the hiring of J. Ryan Bishop, a Heber City native, as its seventh executive director in the organization’s 99-year history. Bishop will officially begin his tenure July 1, 2026.

“The UHSAA has a strong history because of the people who have led and served before me,” Bishop said in a statement. “I’m honored to step into this role and look forward to building on that foundation to ensure high school activities remain an extension of the classroom and a meaningful part of every student’s experience.”

Bishop succeeds Rob Cuff, who announced his retirement earlier this year after 33 years in education, including 25 years of service to the UHSAA and 17 years as executive director.

A graduate of Cedar High School, Bishop earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish education from Southern Utah University and later completed a master’s degree in educational leadership. He brings 27 years of experience across the Box Elder, Davis and Wasatch school districts, as well as with the UHSAA itself, having served as a teacher, coach, athletic director and administrator. Most recently, he served as principal of Wasatch High School, where he was an active member of the Utah Association of Secondary School Principals and served on its legislative council.

Bishop returns to the UHSAA after a nine-year absence, having previously served as an assistant director from 2014 to 2017. In that role, he oversaw baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, theatre and track and field, while also managing corporate sponsorships and leading coaches’ education initiatives.

His coaching career includes one of the more memorable runs in Utah prep football history. As head football coach at Davis High School, Bishop led the Darts to the 5A state championship in 2004 — a title-game win over Cottonwood that remains the highest-scoring final in state history.

“Ryan Bishop is an exceptional selection to lead the Utah High School Activities Association,” said Board of Trustees Chair and Ogden School District Superintendent Luke Rasmussen. “His experience as a state championship coach, athletic director, principal and former assistant director of the association gives him a comprehensive understanding of the impact activities have on students and school communities. Ryan is widely respected across the state and leads with integrity and a clear focus on what is best for kids.”