USA Track & Field Appoints Jay Holder as Chief Content & Communications Officer…

USA Track & Field Appoints Jay Holder as Chief Content & Communications Officer

 

On July 14, 2025, USA Track & Field (USATF) officially announced the appointment of Jay Holder as its new Chief Content and Communications Officer. The move marks a significant enhancement to USATF’s leadership team, signaling its ambitions to ramp up storytelling, media engagement, and brand positioning — particularly as the organization gears up for international events like the 2025 World Athletics Championships and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles .

Holder arrives at USATF after a notable tenure as Executive Director of Running USA, the leading nonprofit organization serving the North American running and endurance community. Since joining Running USA in 2023, Holder distinguished himself by spearheading a strategic overhaul: introducing a modernized membership framework, bolstering research partnerships, cultivating international alliances, and expanding sponsor relationships. Under his leadership, the trade body enjoyed robust growth in both membership and industry influence .

In the press release announcing his departure, Holder expressed pride in his achievements at Running USA:

> “I am extremely proud of the work Running USA has done and continues to do…There is incredible momentum behind our mission to educate, engage, and elevate the running events industry”

He also voiced confidence in the organization’s future, assuring that “the staff and board are well‑positioned to carry this momentum forward” .

Running USA’s board quickly moved to smooth the transition. Kathleen Titus, Board President, has been appointed Interim Executive Director, with the search for a permanent successor already underway . In her statement, Titus praised Holder’s tenure, remarking that “Jay has been a transformative leader…his energy, vision and deep understanding…have propelled us forward. We are excited to see him step into a prominent role at the USATF” .

A Strategic Hire for USATF’s Communications Future

At USATF, Holder will take charge of the organization’s strategic communications, media relations, digital storytelling, and broadcast initiatives—roles that are set to gain increased prominence as USATF enhances its international profile . His appointment demonstrates USATF’s clear intention to bolster its narrative control and marketing muscle in both traditional and emerging media channels, a vital component for engaging global audiences ahead of major championships.

Observers have already noted the significance of holding such a key communications role. Industry commentator Jonathan Gault on X remarked:

> “USATF announces it has hired Jay Holder…Holder is a pro — he’s well‑respected for the work…”

Holder’s success at Running USA—particularly in forging new partnerships and inspiring stakeholder confidence—makes him an excellent fit for USATF’s ambitions, which include amplified coverage of elite competitions, grassroots development, and digital innovation.

What This Means for the Future

Holder’s role begins immediately, and he is expected to collaborate closely with USATF teams as early as the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. This global stage presents an early and pivotal test of his content strategy—balancing coverage of Olympic-caliber athletes with developmental storytelling.

Looking ahead to Los Angeles 2028, USATF aims to leverage Holder’s expertise to elevate its media footprint, amplify athlete stories, and engage diverse audiences across platforms. His arrival reflects a broader trend among sports federations: investing heavily in content and communications to deepen fan engagement, drive sponsorship value, and shape organizational narratives.

Jay Holder, previously Executive Director of Running USA (2023–2025), joins USATF as Chief Content & Communications Officer .

Kathleen Titus steps in as Interim Executive Director for Running USA during the leadership transition .

Holder will spearhead USATF’s communications strategy leading into major international events, including Tokyo 2025 and LA 2028.

With Holder’s appointment, USATF signals its commitment to modernizing its communication and storytelling approach—an essential move to engage the global track‑and‑field community and strengthen the sport’s presence through the next Olympic cycle.