This interview was conducted by Ken Stone in November 2006:

Mark Cleary speaks at the 2004 Portland convention, where he lost to George Mathews for masters chair.

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

Cleary: I want to introduce a new style of open and inclusive leadership in our organization. I want to develop an atmosphere of our listening to each other and working together to facilitate our common interests. I believe that the primary function of USATF Masters is to serve the athletes. I feel I have the combination of experience, commitment and vision for our masters program that the masters program really needs. I have a proven track record of commitment to the organization at the national level as well as performance of my duties serving in many capacities on the masters executive board for over six years.

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

The three biggest issues are all intertwined and have been a constant in the USATF Masters program: (1) stagnant growth in participation at the local, regional and national levels; (2) lack of sufficient funding; and (3) too few people doing the work of the organization.

I have detailed, specific strategies for all three of these areas and will share them in detail at the convention.

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

While other candidates have experience primarily at the local or association level, I have been actively involved in many capacities for the last six-plus years at the national level. I already have a proven track record of commitment to our program. I have worked with the national office on several occasions and have established a working rapport with them as well as the current Executive Board.

The masters chair should be someone who is not only a competent manager, but also someone with the energy, leadership skills and vision to move our program forward. I believe that I have those abilities and am committed to implementing progressive ideas.

I have international experience in diplomacy and I am sensitive to cultural differences, so I feel I can lead our organization abroad with confidence. I have had success coaching at every level: youth, high school, NAIA, NCAA Division I and masters. My experience spans not only track and field, but LDR and cross country as well. I can work with LDR leadership to advance our common interests.

How would you communicate with grass-roots masters athletes?

We have the technology available, but we have not put it to good use. My plan for communication will be far superior to what we have had in the past. I will outline the details at the convention.

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

M45 middle-distance runner Cleary leads a heat at the Decatur masters nationals in 2004.

The USATF Web site for masters is a poor excuse for what is possible. Most of the links take you to Open information, which does not pertain to masters. This site needs a complete overhaul and is a top priority of mine.

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

We just had a membership fee increase; we need to fight for our fair share of the revenue that masters generated and will generate in the future. Secondly, we need to make seeking a sponsor for our indoor and outdoor national championships a top priority.

Would you work on behalf of Sacramento’s bid to host the 2011 World Masters Athletics Championships? If so, how?

Yes. I would support Sacramento or any other viable LOC in their bid to host the WMA World Championships. For American bidders to have a realistic chance of success, we need to improve our relationship with other WMA representatives who vote on the championships. In this area we have some real work to do. Several years ago, for example, our delegation insisted on a technical ruling that prevented other countries from voting at a WMA convention, in opposition to a direct request by the WMA president. Such tactics do not earn us the respect and cooperation that we need for our bids to be given fair consideration by our international colleagues. The reality is that some significant fence-mending must be done for us to get the votes from the Europeans to actually win the bid to host the championships. I would be our number one fence-mender.

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?

The IOC is behind this and they hold the pursestrings. If they push the issue, USATF has no other choice than to do as the IOC wishes or they will withhold all the funding. All we can do is keep hammering the point home that as a long-standing segment of USATF, Masters T&F deserves proper representation. We need to keep working at becoming financially independent of USATF, which will provide us greater options if they fail to meet our needs.

The reality is that the board position that Masters T&F has traditionally held has not assured us influence with the USATF national office. As long as Masters T&F functions as a sports committee under the auspices of USATF, we need to articulate our needs passionately and persuasively in order that USATF sees the value of supporting Masters T&F as vital to its mission. At the same time, we need to explore options to develop our independence and act from a position of strength. If USATF continues to not adequately support us, we need to take the steps necessary that are in the best interests of our movement.

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

I have several strategies to increase the numbers at local and national championship meets. I think my ideas in this area are somewhat unique and would prefer to discuss them at the convention. I will say the strategy is a three-pronged approach that has not been utilized thus far in our program. One of my ideas which has already been adopted is team scoring at our national championships. This has generated a new level of enthusiasm and interest in our sport that could also occur at the regional and association level.

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

Servant leadership is my management style. I want as many people involved in shaping the future of our program as possible. The masters chair must inspire others to join in the effort to expand and improve our program. Many may still choose not to contribute, but we must identify the people within our organization who possess talents that we can convert to action and get them to serve. At the end of the day, everyone needs to have a feeling that every positive contribution is appreciated. We need to hear and use all voices. We need to become a more effective team.