DC Council Round Table on Barbara Jones’ Confirmation to Athletics Commission – March 23, 2026
DC Council Round Table on Barbara Jones’ Confirmation to Athletics Commission – March 23, 2026
On March 23, 2026, the Council of the District of Columbia, sitting as the Committee as a Whole, held a public round table to consider PR 25-549, the confirmation resolution for Barbara Jones to the D.C. State Athletics Commission. Chair Phil Mendelson presided. The hearing lasted from 3:19 p.m. to 3:28 p.m. in Room 412 of the John A. Wilson Building. The record remains open until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public comments were offered by members of the public regarding the nominee's fitness.
Nominee Testimony
- Barbara Jones testified in support of her nomination. She described how youth sports transformed her from a shy child into a confident student-athlete, crediting participation in track, volleyball, and college athletics with teaching her teamwork, discipline, time management, and communication. She holds a B.S. in Biology, a B.S. in Public Health Administration, and a Master's in Science in Counseling, plus an honorary Ph.D. in Humanities from St. Michael's Christian School in Atlanta, Georgia. She also reported receiving the Community and Pack Award for 2026 and having an outdoor theater named after her at a D.C. prep school.
- In response to questions from Chair Mendelson, Jones stated she has no outstanding tax liabilities or unpaid fees owed to the District, federal, or other state governments. She identified no potential conflicts of interest but pledged to recuse herself or notify the commission if any arose. She confirmed she can meet the time commitments required for service.
Discussion Items
- Chair Phil Mendelson outlined the purpose of the round table: to receive public input on Barbara Jones’ fitness for the commission and to hear from the nominee directly. After Jones’ testimony, the Chair clarified that she holds two undergraduate degrees (not one) and a master’s degree. He joked about whether to call her “Doctor” after the honorary degree, but did not press the matter.
- The Chair noted that the expedited timeline (record closes March 30, council vote possible March 31) is intended to move the nomination quickly.
Key Outcomes
- No formal vote was taken during this round table. The confirmation will proceed to the full Council for a vote, likely on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The public record will remain open until 5:00 p.m. on March 30, 2026, to receive written comments.
Meeting Transcript
I'm calling order of this hearing or round table. This is a public round table of the committee as a whole of the Council of the District of Columbia. I'm Phil Mandelson, Chair of the Council and Chair of the Committee as a whole. Today is Monday, March 23rd, 2026. The time is 319 in the afternoon, and we are in room 412 of the Johnny Wilson Building. This hearing is being recorded and will be available on the Council's website, www.dccouncil.gov. The record in this matter will be open through Monday, this coming Monday. So the record will close at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 30th, 2026. The subject of this hearing is PR 25-549, which is entitled District of Columbia State Athletics Commission, Barbara Jones Confirmation Resolution of 2026. The stated purpose of this resolution is to confirm the mayor's nomination to appoint Barbara Jones to the District of Columbia State Athletics Commission. The District of Columbia State Athletics Commission is an independent agency that oversees the District of Columbia State Athletic Association. The association is an association of District of Columbia Public Public Charter and Independent Schools, private and parochial. The Athletic Association participants share knowledge and best practices to enhance student athlete achievement through athletic programming and to provide quality life learning experiences. The purpose of this round table is to afford an opportunity for the public to comment if any member of the public wishes to on the fitness of this nominee, as well as for the committee to hear from the nominee with regard to her appointment. And with that, I'm gonna recognize Barbara Jones, who is the uh nominee. The floor is yours. Thank you. Oh, I'm mute. Microphone. Hit the button. Good evening, Chairman Phil Menison, members of the committee and staff. My name is Barbara Jones. Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today, and thank you, Mayor Bowser, for nominating me for this appointment to the District of Columbia State Athletic Commission. I'm humbly grateful for the opportunity to share my testimony. When I received the call for the interview for this nomination, I was moved to tears. Recalling a moment when I was a very shy kid growing up. Youth sports are very critical because it goes beyond physical fitness. It reduces disease risks, improves academic performance, and teach life skills like teamwork and discipline. I went to DC Public Schools, DC Teachers College, which is now University of the District of Columbia. Participating in sport helped me to become the person I am today. I learned teamwork and how to communicate communicate effectively. Sports help lower rates of stress, anxiety, and depression. It raises self-esteem, builds friendship, improves confidence. It helped me learn time management by balancing school with practice and disciplines. My grades improved, and I was on the honor roll. I ran track, played volleyball in elementary school throughout house school. I was a major at in college and became the captain. Being involved in sports helped me a lot. How sports help me. I always tell parents and students to participate in multiple sports. Multiple sports help with your motor skills, coordination, and speed. This is why I always advocate for kids to participate in sports. Playing sports teach the importance of hard work. No matter who you are, you'll you'll um you excuse me. You work hard to become the best that you can be. It also teaches you to respect and accept others, including your teammates and coaches. Many athletes who experience hardship and misfortunes are now successful. You experience how to handle winding and losing. Overall, participating in sports provides structure, environment of kids to build confidence, transition to healthy adults.
openpublica.com