Dr. James “Roger” Dearing will be appointed as the Florida High School Athletic Association’s new Executive Director, the state’s athletic organization announced today.

The FHSAA’s Board of Director voted Thursday morning to appoint Dearing, the current Superintendent of Manatee County Schools, to replace John A. Stewart, who is retiring in November.

Dearing was selected from a pool of three finalists. William “Sam” Ward, Principal of Fleming Island High School, and Clifton V. Norris, Superintendent of Levy County Schools, were the other finalists for the position. Each were interviewed by the Board of Directors in Atlantic Beach.

“I’m elated,” Dearing said in a statement. “This is the epitome of shaping young lives.”