By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The Greater Portage Athletic Conference named Chuck Parker as its commissioner on Thursday.

Parker will serve in a leadership role as the league organizes schedules, establishes league procedures and prepares members schools for the start of its inaugural season of competition in 2027-28.

CHUCK PARKER

The league, which was formally announced in January, will include eight schools: Crestwood, Garfield, Mogadore, Raven, Rootstown, Southeast, Springfield and Waterloo.

The search for the conference’s first commissioner attracted numerous highly qualified applicants from across Ohio.

Following a thorough review of resumes, a series of interviews and diligent reference checks, Parker “quickly distinguished himself as the candidate best prepared to help guide the conference as it launches,” according to a press release from the GPAC.

Parker currently serves as an assigner for the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference and works closely with league leadership as an assistant to the commissioner, coordinating officials for football and basketball across 17 schools.

“His experience working within conference leadership provides valuable insight into scheduling, officiating coordination and the day-to-day operations that support successful athletic programs,” the league’s press release said.

In addition to his conference experience, Parker brings more than three decades of officiating experience with the OHSAA, including 34 years officiating varsity basketball and 21 years officiating varsity football, where he served as a crew chief.

James A. Garfield Superintendent Ted Lysiak, speaking on behalf of the interview committee, emphasized both the strength of the candidate pool and the dedication of the interview team throughout the selection process.

“We were extremely impressed with the number of qualified applicants who applied for this position from across Ohio,” Lysiak said. “Our interview team spent several days carefully reviewing resumes, conducting interviews, and checking references to ensure we selected the right leader to help launch this conference. Every member of the group was impressed with Chuck. His experience as an assigner, his work with the MVAC commissioner’s office, and his decades of officiating experience made him stand out among a very strong group of candidates. We are thrilled to have Chuck leading the Greater Portage Athletic Conference as we begin building something special for our student-athletes and communities.”

Conference superintendents and athletic directors all expressed strong confidence that Parker’s leadership will help establish a solid foundation for the league.

“We are excited to welcome Chuck Parker as the first commissioner of the Greater Portage Athletic Conference,” the group shared. “His knowledge of high school athletics and his relationships throughout the officiating and athletic community will be invaluable as we work together to build a conference our schools and communities will be proud of.”