From USA-Judo:
It was just seven months ago when Jose Rodriquez, Executive Director/CEO announced that this would be his last year with USA Judo. With the Olympic Games quickly approaching, so does the end of his 11-year commitment as the leader of the organization. Looking back to 2005, there has been a lot of positive change under Jose’s leadership. USA Judo has been developed into a brand that is worn well by our nation. USA Judo athletes are winning more than ever before, and are earning salaries and prize monies not believed possible eleven years ago. Club membership has tripled since 2005 and awareness for the sport has increased tremendously through extensive media coverage.
“It has been a true privilege to have served this organization and its members over the last eleven years.” says Jose Rodriquez. “We have accomplished a lot, but I also know there is still a lot more to be done. I know that under Keith’s leadership, new heights will be reached. I thank the staff of USA Judo, past and present, for their work and dedication as the successes achieved have been a team effort. I would also like to thank the USA Judo membership for their support these past years. I am grateful to all the members of the past and present Board of Directors, led by President Lance Nading and former President Dr. Ron Tripp, for giving me the opportunity to serve you. Lastly, I would like to thank our athletes whose success on the world’s stage has made us all proud.”
On August 15, 2016, a new Executive Director will enter the USA Judo office, bringing in a wealth of knowledge in the Olympic Movement. Mr. Keith Bryant has been involved in the sports industry since 1992, spending 17 of those years with the United States Olympic Committee. He is very familiar with the USOC’s and National Governing Bodies’ commitment to sustained competitive excellence for American Athletes. Having risen through the ranks from coordinator to director, Keith has interacted with all departments within the USOC, the International Olympic Committee, all NGBs (including USA Judo), all Olympic Training Centers, the Athlete Ombudsman’s Office, USADA, the Athletes’ Advisory Council and the 34 Multi-Sport Organizations. Keith is very passionate about the Olympic Movement and knowledgeable in nearly every aspect of its operations.
For the last three years, Bryant has served as the Executive Director for the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region’s Southeast Family Center & Armed Services YMCA, as well as the Fountain Valley YMCA. In this role, he managed employees, volunteer board members, fundraising, membership experience, and the overall operations.
“I am honored, humbled and thrilled to be selected as the next Executive Director of USA Judo. During my 17 years in the Olympic Movement I have always respected the strong passion held by Judo athletes as well as the leadership and the overall membership of USA Judo. I look forward to building upon the success experienced by our Olympic and Paralympic athletes while also continuing the growth and popularity of the sport across the United States.” – Keith Bryant.
Lance Nading, President of USA Judo welcomes and congratulates Keith on the new role. “The Board of Directors of USA Judo and our sports partners at the USOC are extremely happy to have the large turnout of qualified applicants. The Board, in conjunction with the assistance of Executive Search Firm headed by Rick Mack, engaged in the process to select the right person for the position. The search took several months and it was a very thorough process that took a significant amount of patience. In the end we know we got the right guy to take us to the next level. Keith Bryant received a unanimous 10 out of 10 votes of support. We are very excited!”
Please join us in welcoming Keith Bryant to the USA Judo family.
With only 16 days to Rio, all attention and focus is on supporting our Judo Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The USA Judo transition will be a seamless process and will not interfere with the focus on the Games. Go Team USA!
Konan Judo 
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