New KHSAA compliance official, two assistants named

Herald-Leader Staff Report

The Kentucky High School Athletic Association has reorganized its staff, including naming a compliance commissioner and two new assistant commissioners.

Darren Bilberry will fill the compliance position. He gained experience in that field while working at the University of Kentucky, Southern Illinois University and Auburn before joining the KHSAA in 2007.

”Rules compliance is not just about investigations and transfers,“ commissioner Brigid DeVries said. ”It is about developing an attitude of compliance and institutional control that is vital for KHSAA membership.“

Butch Cope, who has been director of promotions and media relations, has been promoted to assistant commissioner, filling the position vacated by Larry Boucher, who resigned this summer.

Cope will continue to work as the primary contact for KHSAA corporate sponsors in addition to overseeing golf, volleyball and tennis.

Former Paul Laurence Dunbar athletic director Mike Barren has been named assistant commissioner. He will start his job in early September. He will handle daily responsibilities for student eligibility, and also oversee cross country, track and wrestling.

Longtime assistant commissioner Julian Tackett will assume the duties related to the officials' division and coordinate technology management for all sports.

Ken Tippett, former Woodford County principal and a fund-raising consultant with the KHSAA since 1992, is retiring.