This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Richfield High athletic director and assistant principal Richard Barton is President Elect of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators.
He is the first Utahn to serve as president of the 39-year-old 10,000-member national organization made up of athletic directors and administrators.
The organization said it preserves, enhances and promotes educational-based athletics through the professional development of interscholastic athletic administrators.
A year ago, Barton was elected by the conference membership to serve on the group's 15-member board. Board members are eligible to run for president. The final two go through an interview before their fellow board members who then submit a private ballot.
"It was kind of stressful going through a couple of rounds of interviews," said Barton. "I'm not really one who likes to seek a position like president, but after a lot of encouragement from my peers, the opportunity to serve and have a greater impact and influence was something I desired. This opportunity comes because of the great support that I have had from my local school leaders and my peers."
— Tom Wharton