Cleveland Joining Mississippi Today

 
By Bill Blackwell
I am sure most of you are aware by now that Rick Cleveland, our former Executive Director is going back to the profession he loves, journalism. Rick started writing professionally at the tender age of 13 and has been gracing us with his wit and wisdom ever sense.
Almost 5 years ago Michael Rubenstein, our first Executive Director passed away and our Board of Directors wisely chose Rick to take the reins of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. Running a non-profit is never easy and the long hours and stressing took a toll on Rick despite his immense knowledge of the subject matter. A little over a year and a half ago at Rick’s request, our board brought me on board to help. At the first of the year, again at Rick’s direction, he stepped back further gave up the Executive Director title and became our Historian.
Not only has his vision and leadership made the museum a better place but his willingness to help and aid me has been essential to keep us going in the right direction. Although he will no longer be a part of our official family we plan on keeping him involved with this establishment. For those of you who read Rick’s post on this site, we are planning to continue to feature his perspectives here. I also will continue to rely on Rick as a great source for backgrounds on all those involved with this operation.
Rick has said many times that he had certain goals when he took on the task of becoming the Executive Director and those goals are all nearing successful completion. While we are not planning to let him get too far away from the MSHOF, he leaves with a slate that he can be very proud of. From all the staff and Board of Directors we wish you well in your new post and thank you for a job well done.