Staff

Berger was named the fifth IGHSAU executive director in 2016. Prior to joining the staff, she was the associate athletic director at the University of Northern Iowa from 2008 to 2016, serving as the direct supervisor for five Panther sports: women's basketball, softball, tennis, soccer and volleyball. She also oversaw academic services and athletic training while monitoring Northern Iowa's gender equity plans. Berger also served 17 years at Drake University in a variety of roles, including senior women's athletics administrator, assistant athletic director for internal affairs and associate athletic director. Nationally, Berger was the Missouri Valley Conference representative to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Issue Committee and served on the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee. She served a term on the NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Committee in 2012. Berger also served in the sports information office at Wichita State and was the sports information director at Wayne State from 1985 to 1990. A Winterset native, 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.

Karon Brown has been with the IGHSAU for more than 40 years. She began her career as a receptionist immediately following high school and has worked her way into management for the organization. The Prairie City native serves as the office manager for the IGHSAU. She is the liaison between the IGHSAU Board of Directors, Representative Council and staff, in addition to organizing the various events for the organization.



Craig Ihnen serves as the director for tennis at the IGHSAU and as the executive director for the Iowa High School Speech Association. At the IHSSA, he is responsible for the overall aspects of the IHSSA programs in debate, large group and individual events. He handles the judge certification programs, coaches convention and the All-State festivals for the IHSSA. Ihnen is a native of Sheldon and has been with the IGHSAU and IHSSA since 1994.

Gary Ross joined the IGHSAU as an associate director in August 2017 to serve as the administrator for girls basketball, cross country and track & field. Previously, Ross served as the Johnston High School activities director for 22 years. Ross, a native of Fredericksburg, is a former president of the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association and was named its Athletic Director of the Year in 2014.

A graduate of Hubbard-Radcliffe High School in 1993, Brinkmeyer is the sport administrator for volleyball, golf and soccer. Brinkmeyer played in the final six-on-six Iowa State Basketball Championship, leading the Rebels to the 1993 state crown. She followed her successful prep career by playing women's basketball at Drake University. Brinkmeyer is in the IGHSAU Hall of Fame.

Jason Eslinger joined the IGHSAU in 1997 after serving stints in the sports information offices at Central Connecticut State and Drake University. The Grundy Center native serves in a similar capacity at the IGHSAU and also directs the bowling and swimming & diving programs.

Tom Florian joined the IGHSAU in December 2017 after serving three years at Drake University as the assistant director of ticket sales and donor management. He was named Drake Athletics' Leader of the Year for both the 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 school years. Florian, a native of Western Springs, Illinois, is a graduate of Drake University and now resides in West Des Moines with his wife, Sarah.

Heidi Reed has been at the IGHAU since 1984. She manages artwork, publications and media assets for the organization. Reed is a native of Danbury.

Deb Robbins joined the Iowa High School Speech Iowa High School Speech Association (IHSSA) in 2017 as an assistant. She also is the receptionist for the IHSSA and IGHSAU. Robbins is a native of Des Moines.

Sherry Tegtmeier serves as the business manager for the IGHSAU. She manages a number of key duties for the organization, including working with the officials on Arbiter and managing academic awards for female athletes in Iowa. Tegtmeier is a native of Carlisle.

Monte Wilson joined the IGHSAU in 1997. Wilson is the liaison between the IGHSAU and all of the state tournament venues. He is in charge of the organization's printing, direct mail, shipping and receiving, and he also assists with media relations. Wilson is a Colfax native.