June 8, 2004

Boise State University Vice President Named National Director of Soccer Organization

Richard A. Smith, vice president for university advancement at Boise State,  has been named national executive director of the American Youth Soccer Organization, BSU officials announced today. Smith has served as BSU’s vice president of university advancement for three years. He will take over as head of AYSO next month.             AYSO officials said their selection of Smith as head of the nonprofit organization concludes an eight-month search, during which they received more than 500 applications. Near the end of the selection process, Smith was approached by AYSO and asked to become a candidate. As AYSO head, Smith will be in charge of the day-to-day operations of an organization that includes 250,000 volunteers and 650,000 participants nationwide and a staff of more than 100.    “This was a very difficult decision for me,” said  Smith. “I care deeply about Boise State; it has been a privilege to work with President Bob Kustra and be part of the university’s evolution into one of the major higher education institutions in the western United States. Boise State is poised for greatness, and I will miss playing a role as it reaches greater heights under Bob’s leadership. However, after AYSO approached me it was clear that the professional and financial opportunities this job offered were something I couldn’t pass up. When I told Bob about the job offer, he was very supportive. My background is in athletics administration and fund raising for nonprofits. AYSO and I both agreed that this was a perfect fit.”   “In three short years, Rick Smith has taken institutional advancement, and fund raising in particular, to new heights at Boise State,” said Kustra. “He has developed a first-class professional staff of development officers assigned for the first time to our colleges, increased contributions from our donors, raised the Boise State profile in the Boise State alumni and donor community and positioned the university to conduct a capital campaign in the near future.    “I have truly enjoyed working with Rick and I will miss him as a friend and a key member of our administrative team.  I do understand the opportunity before him at this stage of his career, and I also know how fortunate the American Youth Soccer Organization is to have his leadership.”   Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Hawthorne, Calif., AYSO is one of the largest amateur soccer organizations in the United States. Its philosophy is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs based on participation by all players, balanced teams, open registration, positive coaching and good sportsmanship. Smith replaces Cherie Tucker as executive director.   “Rick’s intelligence and very quick grasp and insight into how AYSO works is what impressed us most,” said Pete MacPhail, AYSO president. “His knowledge of how things work in the nonprofit world was also a key asset. It was a unanimous decision to hire Rick.”   As president, MacPhail heads AYSO’s national board of directors, who made the final selection. “We also hope he will bring blue turf to our soccer fields,” joked MacPhail, referring to the blue artificial turf at Bronco Stadium.   Mark Dunham, Boise State’s director of government relations, will serve as interim vice president of university advancement until a successor is named.   -30-   Contacts Rick Smith University Advancement (208) 426-4278   David Frickman AYSO (800) 872-2976   Media contact Bob Evancho University Relations (208) 426-1643