The Virginia High School League announced Tuesday that Ty Gafford, the VHSL's current assistant director of compliance, will become its next executive director.

Gafford will succeed Dr. John W. "Billy" Haun, who is retiring at the end of June following nine years in the position.

"On behalf of the VHSL Executive Committee, I am pleased to welcome Ty Gafford as its next executive director," David Spage, chairman of the VHSL executive committee, said in a statement. "As demonstrated through his highly successful career, Ty is committed to VHSL's core mission and can strategically guide the League forward."

Gafford, who played basketball at Appomattox County High School and is a Lynchburg College alumnus, was principal of Altavista High School from 2010-20 and was a member of the VHSL executive committee from 20172020, serving as league chairman during the 201920 school year.

He was also an assistant principal, history teacher, and girls and boys basketball coach. "I am very excited about the opportunity to serve as Executive Director of the Virginia High School League," Gafford said in a statement. "I want to thank the executive committee for having the confidence in me to work with staff and the executive committee to continue providing outstanding service to Virginia's students and the League membership. I also would like to thank Dr. Haun for his mentorship and for his years of dedicated leadership to Virginia's schools and students. I wish him the best in his pending retirement."

Gafford's hiring was made after a "comprehensive" national search and selection process, according to the VHSL, and was completed with the assistance of the Virginia School Boards Association.

"Ty brings all the qualities that fit the position," Haun said in a statement. "Ty understands the changing landscape in high school athletics and activities as he leads the membership in building upon the League's strengths to meet the challenges ahead."