Five Wake athletic directors receive awards from the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association during the organization’s annual conference that was held in Asheville from March 16-19.Â
Jerry McGee Award of Excellence
Deran Coe
Wake County Schools
“I am incredibly proud of our athletic directors for their well-deserved recognition and awards.”
“These awards reflect the passion, dedication, and outstanding contributions our athletic directors bring to their respective schools, the broader athletic community and, in many cases, the entire state.”Â
 Braveheart Award
Rod Whitesell
Holly Springs High School
This award recognizes individuals who have exhibited bravery and courage while enduring trying personal experiences.
Rod is in his eighth year as the AD at Holly Springs High School and continues to lead his programs in an exemplary fashion. Rod is a consummate professional who works tirelessly to serve all students at Holy Springs and has become a mentor to new ADs in his conference.Â
Middle School AD of Excellence
Shane Zimmerman
Holly Grove Middle School
This award is presented to individuals for excellence and significant contributions to Middle School athletics within their community.
Shane has encouraged and facilitated professional development for his coaches, including prioritizing the NFHS Honor Roll. Holly Grove is recognized by the NFHS as one of very few level 3 middle schools.
Also, Shane has been a recognized as a Certified Master Athletic Administrator. Shane is also teaching for the first time at the NCADA state conference and presenting a workshop.
 Athletic Director of Excellence Award
James Mountford
Fuquay- Varina High School
This award is presented to individuals for excellence and significant contributions in the field of athletics within their region, state, and across the nation. The nominee must have five or more years of experience in athletic administration, be a member of the NCADA, and be Certified Athletic Administrator.
James is one of the longest-serving athletic directors in WCPSS, having served in the role since 2012-13. He has led the program at FVHS with integrity since taking over the program.
James is steadfast in his commitment to FVHS, including helping to lead the program during the renovation and rebuild of the school, which required transitioning to a temporary home at Willow Spring High and then moving back to the Fuquay-Varina High campus.
