WESTPORT — Vincent J. “V.J.” Sarullo has been hired as the new athletic director of Staples High School, replacing Marty Lisevick, who will retire after more than two decades in the post at the end of the month.

Sarullo, currently the athletic director at Jonathan Law High School in Milford, was hired after “a rigorous search process involving multiple rounds of interviews,” according to an announcement from Assistant Supt. of Schools John Bayers on Wednesday.

Lisevick, the Staples athletic director for more than 22 years, was cited by Bayers for “his commitment to our students, families and staff throughout his tenure, and we wish him all the best with his retirement plans.”

Sarullo also is president of the Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors, which will be “a tremendous asset to Staples High School and Westport as a whole,” according to Bayers’ announcement.

He has 17 years’ experience as director of athletics at several schools in addition to Jonathan Law High School, previously holding similar posts at Sheehan High School in Wallingford and Notre Dame High School in Fairfield.

Sarullo earned a bachelor of science degree in history from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven; a master’s in holistic thinking from the Graduate Institute in Bethany, and a sixth-year degree in educational leadership from the University of Bridgeport.

“I am very enthusiastic about V.J. joining our team,” Supt of Schools Thomas Scarice said in the announcement.

“This was a very comprehensive and rigorous process. Yet V.J. rose above the field of candidates due to his lengthy successful track record, and his exemplary leadership experiences that prioritizes communication and student success, not only on the field of play, but also in the classroom and community,” the superintendent added.