Former IHSA director Hickman takes post at Special Olympics Illinois

Aug. 26--NORMAL -- Former Illinois High School Association executive director Marty Hickman has joined Normal-based Special Olympics Illinois as Chief Operating Officer.

Hickman will be responsible for ensuring program-related operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures and staff are in place to achieve the organization's goals.

Hickman retired in January as IHSA executive director after 25 years with the organization. His tenure as executive director saw the IHSA add state series tournaments in several sports and activities, including boys bowling, competitive cheerleading, competitive dance, journalism and boys and girls water polo.

The IHSA also became the first state association in the country to offer bass fishing in 2011 and added programs for athletes with disabilities in several sports in 2012.

"Marty will put his background of leading a well-respected sports organization like the IHSA to good use in heading up Program Operations as we look to improve the athlete experience while reaching more athletes throughout the state of Illinois," said Dave Breen, President and CEO of Special Olympics Illinois.

"The missions of the IHSA and of Special Olympics Illinois are very similar," Hickman said. "It's important work that both groups do every day as each organization works to help people live fuller and richer lives."

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Before joining the IHSA, Hickman was principal at schools in Monmouth, Joy and Bluffs, and began his teaching/coaching career in Girard. He was a Special Olympics Illinois Board member from 2005-2012.

He has a bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois, a master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of Illinois in Springfield and doctorate in Education from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.

Hickman was inducted in Mercer County High School's Hall of Fame in 2015, received Eastern Illinois University's Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2007 and was inducted in New Berlin High School'sSports Hall of Fame in 2001.

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