NIAA’s Bonine becomes executive director of Louisiana association

The lure of family and running a larger organization simply were too strong for Eddie Bonine to say no.

Bonine announced Monday he would resign as the executive director of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association to take a similar position with the Louisiana High School Athletic Association. He will replace Kenny Henderson, whose seven-year tenure as Louisiana’s executive director ended in October by what the Louisiana executive committee called a mutual decision “to sever their relationship.”

Bonine, who was hired in January 2007 as just the third executive director in the state’s history, is expected to continue in his post in Nevada until early March, though he likely also will have obligations in Louisiana. His NIAA contract stipulates he must give 90 days notice to the association’s Board of Control.

“The attraction was that it’s a larger association, and my wife and I have many intimate family members in Louisiana,” said Bonine, whose wife Christine has family in the greater New Orleans area. “It’s very bittersweet. I’ve been privileged to serve in a number of roles here. I’ve made a lot of friends, and probably some enemies here. It’s time to close this chapter and move on to another one.”

In Louisiana, Bonine will deal with nearly 400 member schools. The NIAA has 110 member schools. Bonine’s NIAA salary was just more than $150,000, but also included a $10,000 car allowance and a longevity stipend of $1,800 per year. Henderson’s salary from the LHSAA, which is a private organization and not subject to public record laws, was not available.

“This is not motivated by finances,” said Bonine, who received a four-year contract from the LHSAA. “I’m flattered and very humble that they would give me this opportunity. They believe I’m the right fit for the job.”

Bonine presided over debates about the equity of public and private schools, as well as a major realignment that saw several large schools in Southern Nevada moved into a second-tier division. His opinions and decisions were not always popular.

“I’m in this business for the kids,” Bonine said. “I’ve been privileged to have the personal and professional relationships with athletic directors, athletic administrators and the board. I hope people would say I was a good leader. I listened. I would work collaboratively to make things better in this state.”

Bonine officially was offered the Louisiana position late Tuesday night.

“It was a surprise,” said Board of Control president Erin Cranor. “Eddie has done a great job for student-athletes and student leaders here in Nevada. We understand this is a great opportunity for Eddie. We are sad to see him go, but we wish him the best.”

Cranor said the search for Bonine’s replacement will begin soon. The Board of Control has scheduled a teleconference for Dec. 18 at 9 a.m. The public can attend the teleconference at the Clark County School District office on West Sahara Avenue. The next scheduled board meeting is Jan. 14-15 in Reno.

“I think we will try to put something in place to help us get ready for that meeting,” Cranor said. “We can’t do anything unilaterally or outside of an official meeting.”

Bonine said he would offer assistance to the board in finding a replacement if he is asked.

Assistant directors Donnie Nelson and Jay Beesemyer, and Southern Nevada coordinator Bob Northridge all are expected to remain in their current positions.

“The timing of this is not good,” said Bonine, who has two sons in school in Reno. “But the odds of a position like this coming open are pretty slim. I’ll keep doing my daily job here until I’m told to pack up and leave.”

Contact reporter Bartt Davis at bdavis@reviewjournal.com or (702) 387-5230.