Brad Friess, founder of Arkansas Athletes Outreach, to step down in 2025

Brad Friess, the founder and executive director of Fayetteville nonprofit Arkansas Athletes Outreach, has decided to retire, just not so soon. Friess, who founded AAO in 1991, plans to depart in the summer of 2025.

AAO board president Mike Klaas confirmed the start of a succession plan to hire a new executive director within the next six to eight months to ensure a seamless transition.

AAO initially focused on mentoring University of Arkansas athletes. Friess, 64, was a four-year member of the Razorback basketball team.

Under Friess’ leadership, AAO expanded into a community-based youth sports organization, establishing two regional sports facilities — The P. Whitaker Sports Center in 2011 and The Whitaker Family Sports Center in Rogers in 2020.

Friess’ wife, Debbie Friess, director of operations since 1998, will also retire in the summer of 2025. She joined the organization in 1998 and has worked in operations, human resources, communications and finance.

Klaas said he anticipates a smooth transition and that AAO remains committed to serving the community.

AAO has nine full-time employees. According to its most recent IRS filing, for the fiscal year ending in July 2022, AAO had $11.8 million in assets and a $2.2 million annual operating budget.