Susie Knoblauch, Assistant Executive Director of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) for the past 10 years, has been named to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) staff as Director of Performing Arts and Sports. Knoblauch, who is expected to begin her duties on August 1, will succeed Kent Summers, who will be retiring October 1 after more than 10½ years on the NFHS staff.

Knoblauch currently serves as the IHSA administrator for cheerleading, speech, drama, debate, music, tennis and journalism. She is also the coordinator of spirit activities and is staff liaison for the state’s activity directors.

“Susie brings a wealth of experience in the performing arts area, and we are fortunate to have someone with her credentials join our staff,” said Bob Gardner, NFHS executive director. “She also has an extensive background with cheer and spirit activities, including work at the national level, so we believe she is an ideal fit for this position. We look forward to having Susie on our staff.”

Among her accomplishments at the IHSA, Knoblauch developed state tournaments in cheer and journalism, implemented online scoring for activity tournaments, administered the state’s online music entry and adjudication process, started an advisory committee for activity directors and implemented an adjudicators’ database to align with officials licensing.

“She has made an indelible impact on all of us and we are going to miss her,” said IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman. “The silver lining is that we get to continue to work with her and know that the entire country will benefit from her involvement with the programs she will oversee for the NFHS.”

At the national level, Knoblauch has served on the NFHS Spirit Rules Committee, including a term as chair, and currently serves as the performing arts representative on the NFHS Hall of Fame Screening Committee.

Koblauch has worked closely with the IJEA during her entire tenure at the IHSA, and was instrumental in developing and implementing the IHSA’s state journalism tournament.