Dave Stead, the longest-serving executive director in the history of the 102-year Minnesota State High School League, will officially end his tenure April 2.
Stead confirmed his resignation date at the league's board of directors meeting Thursday in Brooklyn Center. The initial plan called for Stead, 74, to resign about Feb. 1 and assume a senior administrative role indefinitely.
New executive director Erich Martens begins March 1, giving him and Stead a month of overlap to transition duties.
Stead said he remains available for information, insight and advice, though in an unofficial capacity.
"I didn't want to be the person looking over someone's shoulder," said Stead, league executive director since 1988. "My colleague in Kansas had his replacement there for a year.
"I know Erich knows enough about the league because he's been on the board, he's been the board president and he was an athlete, a coach and a principal. The foundation is there."
Board members and league staff presented Stead with a watch and gave him a standing ovation.
"I've never considered it, 'Look at me and all the wonderful things I've done,' " Stead said.
