In a move that underscores the importance of high‑school athletics to Wisconsin families, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) named Jeff Strick as its new communications director. Strick, who has served as the communications director for the Neenah Joint School District since 2013, will begin his WIAA duties on September 28 and will work alongside current director Todd Clark until Clark retires on January 15, 2027.
Extensive background in school‑sports communications
Strick brings 29 years of experience in education communications. His responsibilities at Neenah have included crafting public‑relations messaging for district issues, maintaining the district’s website and social‑media platforms, and coordinating Hall of Fame ceremonies. Prior to his current role, he spent three years as the district’s activities director.
He also served as communications director for the Fox Valley Association for 13 years, including two years as the conference’s co‑commissioner. In 2025, Strick earned the Wisconsin School Communicator of the Year Award from the Wisconsin School Public Relations Association.
Deep ties to Wisconsin high‑school athletics
Strick’s résumé includes nearly 100 public‑address announcing assignments at WIAA state tournaments across baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, softball and wrestling, as well as duties as official statistician and scorer. His contributions were recognized with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Award for Outstanding Service in Wisconsin in 2026.
Earlier in his career, Strick held collegiate communications positions at the University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin‑Stevens Point, and St. Norbert College, earning the Rising Star Award from the College Sports Information Directors of America in 2007. He also served as the primary media contact for freestyle and slalom skiing events at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City.
Local roots and family life
A Combined Locks native and graduate of Kimberly High School—where he played baseball and basketball—Strick holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from St. Norbert College and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin‑Oshkosh. He and his wife, Nikki, raise two sons, Quinn and Carter.
“This is a pivotal time for education‑based athletics, and I am excited for the opportunity to help tell the stories and enhance the value of athletics participation,” Strick said. “Some of the best memories for many of us across Wisconsin center around our high school athletics experiences, and it’s an honor to be a part of that.”
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
