Veteran athletic directors Fred Smith of Buchanan and Bear Lake’s Karen S. Leinaar have been named the winners of the MHSAA’s Allen W. Bush Award.

“One quality that both Karen and Fred share is their willingness to serve others,” said John E. “Jack” Roberts, executive director of the MHSAA. “No local athletic administrator has worked at more MHSAA Finals venues than Karen, and no one has conducted more leadership training for athletic administrators than Fred.”

Smith said he is humbled by the honor.

“Being blessed with the Bush Award validates that I have been able to live my life following my parents’ legacy. My mom was a model of ‘servant leadership’ teaching us the value of serving others rather than being served. My dad was a model of hard work and giving a full day’s effort. I believe this award is a result of my servant leadership and hard work.

“I am honored to join the list of other outstanding athletic administrators who have been honored over the last 23 years with this award.”

Smith served as athletic director at Comstock High School for 16 years before taking over the Buchanan job in 2007.

Smith’s career in education began as a teacher, coach and athletic director at Lake Michigan Catholic before taking the Colts’ position in 1985.

Smith also serves on numerous MHSAA committees. He also has provided instruction and leadership training at both the state and national levels.

Smith has presented at 12 MHSAA New Athletic Administrator In-Service programs and also presented at the first statewide MHSAA Sportsmanship Summit. He’s also a certified instructor for the MHSAA’s Coaches Advancement Program. Smith has been involved in the NIAAA Leadership Training Program at both the state and national levels, instructing Leadership Training Institute classes in eight states as well as at the MIAAA state and NIAAA national conferences.

Smith has been a member of the MIAAA since 1985 and has served as its president and the co-chairperson of its Professional Development Committee; he earned its Athletic Director of the Year award in 2000 and George Lovich State Award of Merit in 2007. Smith also has been a member of the NIAAA since 1985 and earned both the Thomas E. Frederick Award of Excellence in 2004 and Frank Kovaleski Professional Development Award in 2012.

“Fred Smith understands, and has taught to administrators all over the state and country, the value of educational athletics. His Buchanan program provides an outstanding example for others to follow,” Roberts said. “Professional development is of high importance to Fred; he works to help others improve just as he seeks to grow himself. We are pleased to present Fred Smith with the Bush Award.”

Smith has served on the Buchanan Area Recreation Board since 2010 and also has been active in the Berrien County “Girls on the Run” program, Buchanan’s “Thrill on the Hill” and the McCoy Creek Trail/Buchanan Athletic Dinner-Dance Charity Auction.

He became a Certified Master Athletic Administrator from the NIAAA in 2006.

“I am also thankful to share this award with the Buchanan School Community as they have given me the opportunity to continue to do what I love,” Smith said. “I haven’t had to work a day in my life. We are blessed with so many outstanding administrators, teachers, coaches and support staff that serving our athletes and parents is a joy.”