Mississippi’s athletic league for private high schools has announced a new executive director.
The Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) issued a press release on Tuesday, noting it had hired Brett Donahoe to replace Shane Blanton. Blanton resigned less than halfway through the 2024-25 academic year due to personal reasons after over a decade of service.
Donahoe is currently the head of school at member institution Pillow Academy and has been in leadership positions across Mississippi for over 23 years. He previously served as the head football coach at Tri-County Academy (2008), Heritage Academy (2012-15), and twice at Marshall Academy (2011, 2016-19).
Additional experience includes being a teacher, principal, athletic director, MAIS Executive Committee member, and MAIS AAC president.
“Barrett is well respected in our association and is known for his commitment to excellence,” MAIS Director of Technology David Drake said. “He graduated from one of our member schools and, after completing his college education, chose to return to the MAIS, where he has served multiple member schools in various capacities.
“I have had the privilege of working closely with Barrett in a number of areas over the years and am very excited to have someone with his skill set, work ethic, and love for our association step in to lead the MAIS into the future. Our staff is looking forward to working under his leadership.”
While the MAIS is centered around Mississippi schools and headquartered in Pearl, it fields teams from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Donahoe will take over as executive director beginning March 1, 2025.