Jean Berger picked as next IGHSAU director

WEST DES MOINES - Starting in September, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union will be led by an Iowa Girl.

Jean Berger, the interim athletics director at the University of Northern Iowa, has been selected as the organization's fifth executive director. Berger will succeed Mike Dick, who is retiring Aug. 31. Berger begins duty Sept. 1.

'I can't wait to get started,” said Berger, a 56-year-old Winterset native. 'I grew up in Iowa, I played high-school sports in Iowa. I think this is a great fit for my administrative experiences.

'I think Iowa is the best place in the nation to be a high-school athlete that's a girl, and has been for a long time. I want this to continue to be a place that's aspirational.”

Berger became the interim AD at UNI after Troy Dannen left to become the AD at Tulane University,

Dannen, ironically, was the IGHSAU executive director from 2002 to 2008.

Berger graduated in 1977 from Winterset High School, where she played basketball and softball. She has been at UNI since 2008, and is the direct supervisor for five sports - women's basketball, softball, tennis, soccer and volleyball.

She oversees academic services and athletic training while monitoring UNI's gender-equity plans.

'She's a great choice,” Dick said Thursday morning. 'She's a quality lady with a great background. She's super smart. The Girls Union won't miss a beat.”

Prior to coming to UNI, Berger spent 17 years at Drake University. She was named Drake's senior women's administrator in 1994 and was assistant athletic director for internal affairs. In 2005, she was promoted to associate athletic director.

Before her administrative career, Berger was an assistant in the Drake sports information office. She served in a similar capacity at Wichita State and was the sports information director at Wayne State from 1985 to 1990.

Berger is a graduate of the University of Iowa, earning a bachelor's degree in journalism with a master's degree in physical education and sports studies.

Dick said he plans to work alongside Berger through July and August before the transition is complete.

Rod Chisholm was the first IGHSAU executive director, serving from 1947 to 1954. He was followed by E. Wayne Cooley (1954-2002), Dannen (2002-08) and Dick (2008-present).

Berger called her appointement 'such an honor. I know how hard Mr. Cooley worked. It's a big responsibility to keep that tradition, and it's something I don't take lightly.”

l Comments: (319) 368-8857; jeff.linder@thegazette.com