This interview was conducted by Ken Stone in November 2006:

Gary Snyder has been active in New England USATF circles.

Masterstrack.com: Why are you running for masters T&F chair?

Snyder: There are a number of important and complex issues facing masters track and field in the next two years and I believe I can provide the leadership for our organization to succeed.

What are the three biggest issues facing USATF Masters T&F? How would you tackle these issues?

The major issues in order of importance are the threat of losing the Masters T&F representation on the USATF Board of Directors, insufficient revenue and lack of bids for USA championships. My responses for these issues are covered in subsequent answers.

What qualifications, attributes or perspectives would you bring to the chairmanship that your opponents would not?

My life experience in business with nationwide responsibilities in operations, sales and finance and the leadership of two running organizations for the last nine years leaves me well-equipped for the responsibilities of masters chair.

How would you communicate with grass-roots masters athletes?

I believe we have to market ourselves to new groups. We need to develop a stronger sales pitch to the 30- and 40-year-olds, go after the Senior Games participants develop a "real" marketing plan and use it. Publications such as National Masters News should be used more creatively to market our product.

What changes, if any, would you make in the Masters T&F section of the USATF Web site?

Our Web site requires a professional approach so prospective new members are guided to attractive masters information. We should consider (launching) our own Web site -- independent from USATF and sponsored by others to reduce cost. These approaches are expensive but this is one area where there is a positive return on investment.

What would you do to increase revenues for USATF Masters T&F?

First, masters revenue is relative to the percent of our membership within USATF. We receive our funding from USATF through an annual budget process. I have had previous success negotiating budgets as chief financial officer for two AT&T entities, and I believe I can negotiate our fair share. Second, the more masters members the more revenue. This can be achieved by increasing membership as I described previously. Would you work on behalf of Sacramento's bid to host the 2011 World Masters Athletics Championships? If so, how?

Gary Snyder (second from left) with a relay team at a 2001 indoor meet.

We would all be proud to host the WMA Championships in the USA . I am certain Sacramento has a well-qualified committee in place and I would be involved as they deem necessary.

USATF is considering a smaller board of directors -- with no seat reserved for Masters T&F. Would you fight to keep Masters T&F at the table? If so, how?

USATF is a large business that is run on a day-to-day basis by its employees. Like other businesses, it is governed by a Board of Directors at which we have a seat. Without representation on the Board of Directors, we will be at the mercy of those who are. Who would advocate for us? I believe we should be at the table and I will fight to retain our seat.

How would you work to increase the numbers of athletes at masters nationals and other meets?

I would improve the bid system for USA masters championships. I propose funding a small group of "experts" to assist local operating committees to develops plans and prepare bids. Such a program would attract new locations and improve the meet quality for first-time LOCs. The New England Association hosts about five track meets annually ranging from the association championships to the USA indoor championships and is very experienced at planning and running a successful track meet. Associations such as New England could provide assistance.

Describe your management style. How would you recruit volunteers to help you?

In closing, I have learned that you cannot be successful by doing it alone, and the best way to get assistance is to ask. We’re all involved for many of the same reasons, and I will reach out to enlist qualified volunteers from all areas.