Hewson named Director of Business Operations; other staff assignments slightly altered
AURORA — With the start of the 2017-18 season around the corner, a few assignments within the CHSAA office have changed.
Kenzie Hewson has been named the Director of Business Operations, and associate commissioner Tom Robinson will lead the Tournament, Playoff and Finance committee, while also overseeing state tournament site selection.
In addition, new assistant commissioner Ernie Derrera will administer wrestling, boys and girls soccer, and student leadership. Assistant commissioner Bud Ozzello will be overseeing boys and girls lacrosse, football, softball, ice hockey, and speech and debate.
CHSAA commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green announced the changes on Monday in an email to all 354 member schools.
“My vision in reassigning duties was to look at the strengths of our staff, as well as the needs of our membership, to produce the best result,” Blanford-Green said. “These decisions are made to ensure our levels of expertise best serve our membership and our school communities.”
Hewson took over bookkeeping duties prior to the 2014-15 school year. Her new title brings her in line with similar positions in other state associations across the country.
“The National Federation has created a curriculum because of the accountability and fiscal responsibility that now goes along with this position,” Blanford-Green said.
Ozzello had administered soccer since he started with CHSAA in 2010. He has already held multiple meetings with regard to football’s alignment, and has others scheduled for later this week.
“I’m looking forward to overseeing football and lacrosse,” he said. “With football, we’ve got a lot to focus on in the coming weeks and months as we prepare for the new cycle and our committee meeting in December. We also can’t wait to dive into lacrosse, and prepare for that spring season.”
Derrera started at CHSAA on July 1 after a 17-year career as a teacher, coach and school administrator. He recently finished leading the annual Student Leadership Camp.
“I’m new to this job, so I’m learning anyway,” Derrera said. “I’m excited about what I’ll be overseeing, and I’m looking forward to being more involved with soccer. Being able to watch from a new perspective is going to fun.”
