ASA/USA Softball Executive Director Ron Radigonda to retire following the 2013 year
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America and USA Softball announced today that Executive Director Ron Radigonda will retire following the conclusion of the 2013 calendar year. Radigonda has been involved with ASA/USA Softball for over 30 years, first as the Commissioner for Sacramento ASA and for the past 14 years as the Executive Director.
“It has been a distinct honor to serve the Amateur Softball Association and USA Softball as the Executive Director since 1998,” said Radigonda. “I have truly enjoyed my involvement with the great sport of softball for over 50 years. From the beginning as a bat boy for my father’s industrial league team in San Francisco to serving the ASA as the Executive Director and all of the other positions in between, softball has played a major role in my life. I am fortunate that I have had a professional career that has spanned 45 years working with great individuals that share common goals and passion in promoting the Game America Plays — Softball.”
Radigonda will continue as Executive Director through the end of 2013, during which time the ASA/USA Softball Board of Directors will seek applications and plan to hire for the position by June of 2013.
Radigonda, who graduated from San Francisco State University in 1970, worked with the City of Sacramento in the Parks and Recreation Department for 28 years and also served as Executive Director of the Sacramento Sports Commission and the Sacramento Sports Foundation. In 1982, he became the Commissioner of the Sacramento ASA, a position he held until he was selected as the Executive Director for ASA/USA Softball in 1998. During his time as Commissioner, he served as Chair of numerous committees and served on the Board of Directors and as the Chair of the Association’s Insurance and Finance Committees. Since his appointment at the National Office, Radigonda has guided ASA/USA Softball through a variety of changes and economic difficulties and has helped secure ASA/USA Softball’s role as the foremost softball organization in the U.S.
“Ron has been a great asset to ASA/USA Softball over the years,” said ASA/USA Softball President ET Colvin of Columbus, Miss. “He brought the association into the 21st century by implementing modern technology and assembling a staff of dedicated and knowledgeable employees. He is a great ambassador for ASA and the sport of softball and is one of the most liked and respected people in the sport.”
“Ron is an amazing leader for ASA and USA Softball,” said four-time USA Softball Olympian Laura Berg of Corvallis, Ore. “I’m honored to have known him while I played and coached for Team USA. He will certainly be missed and I wish him the best of luck in the next chapter of his life.”
Under Radigonda’s leadership, the face of ASA/USA Softball has evolved dramatically. The ASA Hall of Fame (HOF) Complex has undergone a major renovation and has continued its hosting duties for the NCAA Women’s College World Series (WCWS), and the World Cup of Softball, an international softball event, that was created and is hosted annually at the Complex. He also helped foster a continuing relationship with the City of Oklahoma City. ASA/USA Softball has also become the leader in coaching and umpire education and has led the country in equipment standards and coaching certification. At the International Level, Radigonda has served as a delegate and committee chair for the International Softball Federation (ISF), the governing body of softball internationally. He has attended numerous men’s and women’s international events, including three Summer Olympic Games, seven World Championships, and the Pan American Games.
“I have taken this opportunity to announce my retirement as the Executive Director of ASA to facilitate a smooth transition for the new E.D.,” said Radigonda. “The business of running and operating a non-profit association with 3 million members and hundreds of annual events is complex. Announcing my retirement a year out will allow our Board of Directors an opportunity to seek and select a qualified individual and allow that individual an opportunity to be a part of the transition. ASA/USA Softball is a healthy association that has experienced surplus budgets the past 14 years and has invested the surpluses into improved facilities in Oklahoma City, enhanced umpire and coach training, and improved equipment testing protocols and procedures. Based on the current health of the association, I feel this is an appropriate time to pass the baton and keep ASA/USA Softball on the path to continued excellence.”
The ASA/USA Softball Board of Directors will begin seeking applications for the Executive Director position in January of 2013. More information will follow in a formal announcement.