Bill Ek's four-decade officiating career exemplifies dedication to basketball excellence at every level. A 1988 Kent State University graduate who began officiating in 1984, Ek worked for over 30 years in Division I basketball, earning 13 NCAA Tournament selections, 7 NIT Tournament assignments, and one Division III Final Four selection. His championship-level experience includes 13 years officiating Big Ten Tournament games, 26 years in Mid-American Conference Tournament games, and assignments in the Horizon League, Summit League, and American Conference tournaments. Among his career highlights was officiating the 2003 McDonald's All-American game in Cleveland, featuring LeBron James, along with five high school championships and nine regional assignments.

Since 2006, Ek has served as Director of Officials for Elite Officiating, leading and assigning games for over 400 officials across two Division II conferences, five Division III conferences, and two junior college conferences spanning eight states. He currently directs officiating for the EYBL Scholastic League, featuring 20 premier high school teams. His leadership extends to serving on the NCAA Mechanics Committee and the Officially Human board, and he previously served as President of the Greater Akron Basketball Officials Association.

A Field High School graduate residing in Jackson Township with his wife Aimee of 28 years and children Kendra and Jaden, Ek also coached baseball at Mount Union University, earning Coach of the Year honors. Since retiring from active officiating in 2025, he observes officials for Big Ten and SEC consortiums while assisting CBS and Gene Steratore during March Madness.