Chris Hoover’s wife, Kelli Hoover, became the first female Parks and Recreation Director in the City of Jackson’s history.
Jackson Public Schools has chosen longtime coach and mentor Chris Hoover as the district’s next athletic director.
Chris will start his tenure as athletic director in the 2025-26 school year, replacing Greg Marsh after he retires on June 30.
School officials said in a news release that Hoover, a Jackson High School graduate, has over thirty years of experience teaching and coaching for the district.
He was hired as Jackson High’s varsity baseball coach in 2019 and coached football and wrestling.
Hoover coached the program from 2003 to 2011, and the team earned 162 wins, one district championship, and five diamond classic titles.
Chris currently teaches physical education at Jackson High School.
Under his guidance, JPS student-athletes have benefited from the tradition of excellence, state championships, All-State recognition, academic honors, and lifelong bonds formed through teamwork.
Chris Hoover’s Wife, Kelli Hoover, Is The Director Of The Jackson Parks And Recreation Department
Chris Hoover married Kelli Hoover in 2004. They met while Chris was volunteering for a Christmas event.
The couple has been married for over 20 years. On April 7, 2025, Chris wished Kelli a happy birthday through his official Facebook handle by stating,
Happy Birthday Kelli!!! Love U!!! Have a great Day!!!
Chris Hoover
Kelli Hoover was born to her father, James Timothy, and her mother, Beverly Jane Monaghan.
Her mother shared her passion for the arts by painting several murals of Wizard of Oz Characters on the walls of Woodward Elementary School.
Sadly, Kelli lost her mother, Beverly, on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at 75. A memorial service was held on April 15, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church.
Kelli is the director of the Jackson Parks and Recreation Department. She is involved in planning, developing, and implementing many adult and youth sports leagues, family events, and renovation projects.
She is also a member of the Health Improvement Organization of Jackson and the Jackson 20/20 Recreation and Culture Committee.
Kelli also serves as the treasurer for the Jackson Public Schools Bonds Committee.
For her 27 years of service, compassion, and foresight for the City of Jackson and her leadership in various capacities, Hoover has been named the 2019-20 Al Cotton Award winner.
Chris Hoover And Kelli Hoover Shares Two Children
Chris and Kelli have two sons: Collin and Gabe Hoover.
Gabe’s LinkedIn profile states that he attended Jackson High School from August 2019 to May 2023 and is pursuing his bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University.
He has been serving as the professorial assistant at Michigan State University since September 2023.
Since August 2024, he has served as the Office of Justice, Equity, and Inclusion at Michigan State University James Madison College.
On the other hand, Chris’s son, Gabe Hoover, played wrestling for the Jackson High School Vikings. He has avoided social media, so little about his personal life is known.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- After earning degrees from Olivet College and Eastern Michigan University, Hoover returned to JPS in 1995 to start his career as a teacher and coach.
- Kelli Hoover grew up with three brothers, Steven, David, and Bryan, and one sister, Jane Hoover.
- Kelli’s mother, Beverly, volunteered many hours at the United Methodist Church, supporting the youth, going on mission trips, and fostering a Christian environment.
