At the IHSA's January, 2015 Board meeting, IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman announced he would retire on January 15, 2016. Hickman reflected on the impact the job has had on him, as well as how his own high school experience at New Berlin High School shaped him:

“Growing up I didn't know enough about the IHSA to dream about working here, but for the last 24 years I have lived the most challenging and rewarding job imaginable. I will be forever grateful to the individuals that gave me this opportunity, including the teachers and coaches at New Berlin High School who taught me lessons that helped me well beyond my days in school. As I reflect on my tenure here and look forward to my final year, I can say with absolute certainty that my life has been enriched by working for the Illinois High School Association. ”