The Texas High School Athletic Directors Association (THSADA) is the premier professional organization and principal advocate for athletic administrators across the State of Texas. With over 2,000 members, the THSADA is one of the largest and most respected state athletic administrators associations in the nation, dedicated to promoting, developing, supporting, and recognizing excellence in athletic administration.

Founded in 1971, the THSADA was established by visionary Texas athletic administrators who recognized that the unique challenges of managing interscholastic athletics could best be addressed through year-round collaboration, professional development, and leadership. Joe Bill Fox, Director of Athletics for North East ISD, served as the Association’s first President, while Joe Tusa, Director of Athletics for Houston ISD, led the development of the Association’s original bylaws and governing procedures.

For decades, the THSADA operated successfully as a volunteer-led organization. As Texas high school athletics continued to grow in size, complexity, and influence, the Association recognized the need for full-time leadership to expand member services and advance the profession.

In 2012, Rusty Dowling, former Director of Athletics for Katy ISD, was selected as the Association’s first Executive Director. Under his leadership, the THSADA has experienced significant growth, expanding to a professional staff of five full-time employees, supported by several part-time staff members, while broadening its educational programming, member services, and statewide influence.

Today, the THSADA is governed by a 10-member Board of Directors, supported by eight committee chairs, two ISD superintendents, and numerous advisory committees that guide the Association’s initiatives and strategic direction.

Professional education remains the cornerstone of the THSADA mission. The Association provides year-round leadership development through nationally recognized programs, including:

• TAAC (Texas Athletic Administrators Certification) – the state’s premier certification program for athletic administrators.
• QUAD A (Aspiring Athletic Administrators Academy) – preparing the next generation of athletic directors through foundational leadership training.
• JHAMS (Junior High Athletic Management Series) – professional development specifically designed for junior high and middle school athletic coordinators.
• Monthly Regional Meetings – providing local networking, leadership collaboration, and discussion of issues unique to each of Texas’ eight THSADA regions.

The Association also hosts three signature events each year that serve as the foundation of professional learning, networking, and industry engagement:

• THSADA State Conference – the Association’s premier annual event featuring more than 210 exhibit booths, comprehensive TAAC educational sessions, leadership programming, networking opportunities, and one of the largest gatherings of athletic administrators in the country.
• Fall Forum – a two-day leadership conference focused on professional development, committee collaboration, strategic planning, and networking.
• Spring Sponsor Showcase – an exclusive event connecting THSADA members with corporate partners while also hosting QUAD A leadership programming.

For more than five decades, the THSADA has remained committed to its mission of providing Leadership, Professional Development, and Support to Texas athletic administrators. Through education, advocacy, collaboration, and recognition, the Association continues to strengthen athletic leadership and positively impact student-athletes across the State of Texas.