MECHANICSBURG — Dr. Robert Lombardi, who has served the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association for 37 years — including the past 13 as executive director — will retire Dec. 31, 2025.

Lombardi joined the PIAA in 1988 as assistant executive director, and later became associate executive director before assuming the top post in 2012. During his tenure, he oversaw tournament operations, fiscal management, and legislative affairs while expanding sports classifications and opportunities for student-athletes.

He was instrumental in the creation of the PIAA’s Annual Officials Convention, which has grown to more than 1,000 attendees each year, and helped launch Unified Special Olympics competitions, new para-events, and girls’ flag football and wrestling.

Lombardi also served nationally as the 65th president of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and chaired multiple NFHS committees.

The PIAA Board of Directors has appointed Chief Operating Officer Mark Byers as Lombardi’s successor, effective Jan. 1, 2026.