South Dakota High School Activities Association Executive Director Wayne Carney is retiring from the organization effective at the end of the 2016-17 school year.

Carney made the announcement Thursday at the group's board of directors meeting. He joined the activities association in 2001.

Jason Uttermark is chairman of the activities association's board. Uttermark says members are thankful for Carney's service to the students of South Dakota over his entire career.

The board will discuss the timeline for hiring a successor at its meeting in August.