Change in USA Judo Board Chair

On June 24, the USA Judo Board of Directors accepted Joe Ragan’s resignation as board chair and unanimously elected Dr. Ron Tripp to serve in the role. Ragan will remain on the board of directors as group member director.

“It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Dr. Ron Tripp as chairman of the USA Judo board,” said Ragan. Since Ron's recent election, we have had the opportunity to work together in developing a plan to move forward to prepare Judo for its future and the 2028 Olympics. We recently traveled together to Budapest to attend the World Championships and Ron's presence made a tremendous difference. I look forward to supporting Ron as he takes our sport to the next level. It has been an absolute honor to serve as the USA Judo membership as chairman.”

Dr. Tripp’s history with USA Judo as an athlete and administrator spanned over 25 years, where he served as an Athlete Representative (1992-1996), Vice President (1996-2000), and President (2000-2008). During his Vice-Presidency and Presidency, he represented USA Judo at the World Championships (1999-2007) and at the Olympic Games in 2004. He was elected and served as Vice-President of Pan American Judo. In 2005, at the World Judo Championships in Cairo, Egypt, he was awarded the International Judo Federation Silver Medal of Honor for his contributions and service to the sport. He is one of only three Americans ever recognized with this honor.

“I am humbled by the invitation from Chairman Joe Ragan and the leadership of USA Judo to return and contribute to our great sport,” Tripp stated. “Joe and I have spoken numerous times over the past six months regarding the extreme demands of time and energy away from family and business that come with serving in this position. For the last several years, Joe has given 110 percent in service and contributions to USA Judo, setting aside his personal and business commitments to lead the organization.  I am honored to take the torch and continue the vision of Joe and the Board in our pursuit of gold medals and success as we host the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. My thanks to Chairman Joe Ragan, the USA Judo Board of Directors, and the members of USA Judo for this wonderful opportunity.”