KHSAA commissioner Julian Tackett to retire during school year; Associate commissioner Butch Cope also retiring after long tenure
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association on Monday announced the pending retirements of commissioner Julian Tackett and associate commissioner Butch Cope, its longest-serving administrators.
Tackett, who has served as the KHSAA’s commissioner since 2010, began working for the association in 1984. Just the seventh commissioner in KHSAA history, he will retire effective later this school year.
During his tenure, Tackett added multiple sports like bowling, archery, competitive cheer, bass fishing, boys volleyball, girls flag football, pickle ball, lacrosse and others. It is the largest expansion of sports and sports activities in the 109-year history of the KHSAA.
Tackett also oversaw the first statewide radio network for the Boys’ and Girls’ Sweet 16 state tournaments and KHSAA.org, its first website.
He has also been active with the National Federation of State High School Association’s (NFHS) committees including chairing several of them.
“Mark Twain is attributed with the quote that says ‘The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why,’” Tackett said in a press release. “For me, the day Tom Mills called my house to offer me the sports information job and I got into the work, was when I found that to be true, and it still is. … There will be time for more reflection and expression, especially about my co-worker and friend, Mr. Cope, but I plan to continue working as hard as I can for this association and its efforts until the next stop along my way comes into focus. My wife Donna is the best supporter and friend any high-profile administrator could find, and we look forward excitedly to new chapters.”
Upon his retirement, he will be the longest-tenured full-time employee in the history of the KHSAA and one of the three longest-tenured state association executive directors.
Damon Kelley, president of the KHSAA Board of Control, showed appreciation for Tackett’s service and leadership over four decades, including 16 years as commissioner.
Cope, a Marshall County native and the second-longest-tenured KHSAA staffer, is in his 32nd year with the association and supervises girls’ and boys’ volleyball, regular-season basketball, archery, and baseball.
Like Tackett, Cope began his KHSAA career as its sports information director, serving in that role from 1995 to 2002 and progressing through various positions until moving to his current position as senior associate commissioner and chief of staff in 2025.
Cope plans to retire effective July 1, 2027.
“I’m thankful to former commissioners Louis Stout and Brigid DeVries and current commissioner Julian Tackett for the honor and privilege of working at the KHSAA,” Cope said in the press release. “A lot has changed over the years, and the opportunity for growth along the way has helped create memories that will last forever. To the many board members, staff members, event workers, host venues, officials, coaches and administrators, thank you for the most rewarding career opportunity of which I hope I served well.”
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association announced the pending retirement of commissioner Julian Tackett on Monday. He has been working for the KHSAA for four decades, including the last 16 years as commissioner. (Photo by Les Nicholson)
