After graduating from Central Dallas High School in Minburn, Charles “Chuck” Liston moved on to Ellsworth Junior College, then Drake University, where he received his degree in Elementary Education.
Then it was off to the Army and a 2 year stint in Viet Nam. Chuck, who was destined to be a leader, was honored with 2 Purple Hearts for his service in Viet Nam. Upon returning home it was off to Mankato State where he received his Masters Degree in Elementary Administration and then Iowa State, earning a Specialist Degree in Public Higher Administration.
In and around earning degrees and fighting for our freedom, Chuck worked as an upper Elementary teacher, teaching Social Studies, Science and P.E.
He spent a few years as an Elementary Principal then finished his career in Education spending the last 13 years as a Superintendent.
Chuck loves to work with and around kids. It is this passion, combined with his leadership skills that led him to become a track meet starter/referee in 1978 after starting in our sport as a timer and picker in 1973.
Chuck works predominantly in Central and East Central Iowa. He was a starter at Boys District track meets from 1985-2004. In 1990 he began working at the State meet as a volunteer Umpire. Since 2004 he has been one of the starters at our state track meet.
Chuck has been an active member of the IATO for 11 years and was the organizations President in 2010-2011. In 2008 he was appointed to the Boys Association Officials Advisory Committee and remains an active member of that group.
Chuck has been honored over the years for his dedication and a job well done. In 2002 the Boys Association honored him for 35 years of service as an official. Also in 2002, he was selected as the Boys state official of the year. In 2005 he was selected by the National Federation as the High School Boys Track and Field Official of the year and was selected as the Girls State Official of the Year in 2007.
Chuck has worked at NCAA Division 1 meets as an Umpire, and was honored to be selected as one of 2 starters for the Division 3 Indoor Championships.
Chuck is married to Linda. They have one son Todd who is the Director of Transportation for the Des Moines Public School System.