Long-time general secretary of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Horace Reid, will end an 18-year association with the island's football governing body.

Reid, held in high esteem in CONCACAF for his effectiveness, competence, organisational and people skills, will accept the appointment of director of competitions at CONCACAF, effective November 1, 2012.

He leaves with the blessing of the president of the JFF, Captain Horace Burrell, and the board of directors, which met yesterday.

"Throughout my association with Mr Reid I have never found a more professional and dedicated and committed person to both his country and the sport. Initially, I was reluctant to have him go as I felt the federation would have suffered because of his absence, but it would not have been fair of me to discourage someone whose excellence is being rewarded," Captain Burrell said of Reid's appointment.

"His growth in the sport signifies what can be achieved with hard work and one making use of the opportunities presented," Captain Burrell said of Reid, who joined the JFF as a team manager before working his way up.

In addition to his duties as JFF general secretary, Reid served as executive director of the marketing division at the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), was appointed as a member of the CFU legal task force, FIFA security and stadium inspector (World Cup 2010) and member of FIFA's beach soccer standing committee. He also served as chairman of CONCACAF administration committee for a period of 10 years, which culminated in 2011.

In deciding to engage the services of Reid, CONCACAF indicated in their release that "... in a desire to be an integral part of a progressive, dynamic and forward-thinking confederation, we trust his skills and expertise in competitions management, as well as his vast experience in football administration, will contribute to the development of the sport in the region."

His new position will see him "leading a team which would have primary focus for the management and development of all of the confederation's competition properties, including the CONCACAF Champions League and the flagship Gold Cup biennial tournament".

The board of directors, on the recommendation of the JFF president, has approved the appointment of long-standing board member and president of the Portland FA, Raymond Grant, as the new general secretary of the federation. The finalisation of this appointment is subject to the confirmation by his current employer.