Rockport — After more than two months of searching, Camden Hills Regional High School has a new athletic director.

In a press release from the superintendent's office Monday, July 16, longtime local resident Steve Alex has been tabbed to succeed Bill Hughes, who resigned the position at the end of the 2011-12 school year. Hughes held the post six years.

The 48-year-old Alex, a Rockport resident, was named the girls varsity lacrosse coach in the spring and also served as the Camden Hills girls junior varsity soccer coach. Alex will likely resign both of those coaching posts.

"I am just very grateful for this opportunity," Alex said.

"Steve is a familiar face to many as he lives in Rockport and is active in the community," said superintendent Elaine Nutter in a released statement. "He has volunteered extensively in youth athletic programs. Steve has most recently coached varsity girls lacrosse and junior varsity girls soccer at CHRHS. Steve has 29 years experience of military service and epitomizes strength of character, energy and enthusiasm. He will serve as an excellent role model for the young people of Camden Hills Regional High School."

The athletic director search began in late May when "four or five finalists" were interviewed, according to former superintendent William Shuttleworth, who also resigned his position at the conclusion of the 2011-12 school year.

Nutter has served as the district's superintendent as of July 1.

The search for a new AD was reopened and advertised for again, with those originally interviewed still eligible for the post if they opted to reapply. It was not immediately known if Alex was in the first wave or second wave of candidates for the position.

Alex graduated from then Camden-Rockport High School in 1982 where he played soccer and basketball, along with being captain of the hoop team. He later graduated from the University of Southern Maine in 1987 with a bachelor's degree in science.

Alex enlisted in the Maine Air National Guard as a part-time jet engine mechanic while in college and later made lieutenant colonel, having logged more than 4,000 flying hours over nearly 30 years.

He added that the timing for the athletic director's position to become available was impeccable as he planned to retire from the Maine Air National Guard in October.

Alex's main responsibility the past 12 years has been planning high-level long-range deployment of tactical military aircraft from bases in the United States to numerous locations throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. He added that his "planning, logistical and organizational skills, parallel the duties of an athletic director" and he hopes to implement those skills in his new position.

Alex resides in Rockport with his wife, Valerie. He also has two daughters, Erika and Kristina.

Courier Publications Associate Sports Director Mark Haskell can be reached at 207-594-4401 or by email at mhaskell@courlerpublicationsllc.com.