After six months of searching, USA Deaf Track and Field is thrilled to announce a replacement for the President. The post was held by Thomas Withrow since 1998. USADTF will move into a new era of leadership in Mr. Jesse J. Bailey. See his bio below. Please join us welcoming Jesse J, known as JJ. He will carry the torch well.

JJ grew up in New England and graduated from American School for the Deaf in 1986. He went to Gallaudet and graduated there in 1991. He got Master’s from Western Maryland College (now known as McDaniel College) in 2002. He ran in track and field at ASD and Gallaudet also.

Jesse was on USA Deaf Track & Field team to World Games for the Deaf (now called Deaflympics) in 1993 (Sofia, Bulgaria) where he won a gold in 4×100 (he ran third leg in the final). He finished 9th in 100m out of 45 runners and 12th in 200m. He coached USA Deaf Track & Field team twice, 2005 Melbourne and 2009 Taipei, under Thomas, the head coach.

Currently, Jesse is the Athletic Director at the California School for the Deaf, Fremont. He was also the AD at California School for the Deaf, Riverside before moving to CSDF last summer. He also was AD at other schools – Texas School for the Deaf, New Mexico School for the Deaf, Phoenix Day School for the Deaf. He also is certified basketball referee.

Jesse and Thomas will work together to make the transition go smoothly. More to come soon.

Welcome, Jesse!