KALAMAZOO, MI - Frank Noonan announced today that he is stepping down as Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association’s (KOHA) Executive Director, effective August 1, 2020. Noonan plans to continue his involvement and employment with KOHA in a smaller role, and continue his responsibilities as the League Commissioner of the South Central High School Hockey League.
"I have been involved with KOHA in some capacity for over 25 years. I have been a parent volunteer, team manager, board member, and staffer. At this point in my life it’s time to slow down after working seven days a week during the hockey season and five days a week in the off season. I am excited to continue working with KOHA’s recreational programs at the rink,” said Noonan. “My passion has always been our recreational programs where both my boys began their youth hockey careers, where their excitement for this great sport began and continues to this day. I want to continue to be a part of what’s happening with youth hockey in Kalamazoo; we have such exciting things going on and terrific development partners helping us to provide an unparalleled experience for our membership,” Noonan continued.
“Frank’s commitment to youth hockey in southwest Michigan, and Kalamazoo specifically, is unparalleled. Regardless of his role or title, he has been passionate about sharing his love for - and helping to grow - our game,” said Dianne Shaffer, KOHA’s board president. “We are thankful that even while stepping back from his Executive Director role, Frank is committed to continuing to give our weekend recreational programs his energy and expertise,” Shaffer continued.
Noonan became involved with KOHA as a parent and volunteer when his two boys began playing hockey in 1993. After 30 years in the banking industry he retired and began as the General Manager of Twin Star Ice Arena which was eventually purchased and is now Wings West. Once his boys' finished their KOHA hockey careers he joined KOHA as a staff member (2006), while his younger son, Bryan, continued to play AAA and then went on to play for Portage Northern High School. His older son, Chris, received a Division 1 scholarship and played for Niagara University.
KOHA is a 501(c)(3) established in 1965. KOHA's mission is to provide every boy and girl in southwest Michigan the opportunity to enjoy and excel at the game of hockey. KOHA's vision is to be a regional destination and national leader for youth hockey through its community partnerships and elite development opportunities.
