North Little Rock - Dr. Joey Walters has spent the past two decades serving education-based athletics in Arkansas but that run is coming to an end as Walters announces his intention to retire later this summer.

Walters wears many hats at the Arkansas Activities Association as Executive Deputy Director. Walters currently serves as the liaison for basketball, golf, tennis, and golf, as well as liaison to the Arkansas High School Coaches Association and heads the sports medicine director.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Executive Deputy Director of the Arkansas Activities Association,” Walters said. “Working with executive director Lance Taylor and the AAA staff, as well as so many talented teachers, coaches, athletic directors, and administrators has been an incredibly rewarding journey.”

Walters joined the AAA in 2006 and in addition to the roles for specific sports mentioned above, he was responsible for eligibility interpretations, superintendent and principal meetings, legislative relations, and directing the AHSCA All-Star Games and AHSCA Coaches Clinic.”

“Dr. Walters's contributions and efforts to our member schools here at the Arkansas Activities Association have been vast,” AAA Executive Director Lance Taylor said. “Joey did so much for this organization and for this state. His hard work and dedication will be difficult to replace, which is an indication of the significant impact he made during his two decades here.”

In addition to his work for the AAA, Walters also served on several National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) committees including the Soccer Rules Committee, Sports Medicine Committee, Coach of the Year Committee, and the Coaching Today Committee.

In 2019 Walters was awarded one of the highest honors from the NFHS as he received a Citation Award.

“The member schools of the AAA are made up of so many great people who have the passion and commitment to educational-based athletics and activities,” Walters said. “I am thankful for the lessons learned, the friendships formed, and will forever appreciate the support and camaraderie.”

Before joining the staff at the AAA, Walters worked at West Fork Public Schools for 15 years and served in roles ranging from coach, athletic director, principal, and superintendent.