Falls Church, VA – August 1, 2025 – The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is proud to celebrate Jean Knaack’s 20th anniversary as Chief Executive Officer. Since stepping into the role on August 1, 2005, Jean has led the organization through two transformative decades of growth, innovation, and impact in the running community.
“In 2005, I applied for a job that seemed like a perfect fit for my background, my passion for endurance sports, and my young family,” said Knaack. “I had no idea at the time how deeply meaningful this journey with the RRCA would become.”
When Jean joined the RRCA in 2005, the organization was emerging from a turbulent period. With just over 600 members and a fragile financial outlook, the future was uncertain. “The organization was still recovering from a $400,000 deficit and only had $60,000 in the bank, and was rebuilding after an organizational mid-life identity crisis,” Knaack recalled. “But I believed in its potential—and in the people who kept it alive through difficult times.”
Under her leadership, the RRCA has gained long-term financial stability and has expanded to over 2,800 organizational members. The organization oversees the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots running event series—the RRCA Championship Event Series sponsored by Gatorade—with over 200 races annually. The Kids Run the Nation program has distributed thousands of program guides and kids booklets and awarded more than $385,000 in grants, inspiring over 198,500 children to embrace running for fun and fitness. RRCA’s certification programs for coaches and race directors have also flourished, with more than 12,000 RRCA Certified Run Coaches trained and a growing network of RRCA Certified Race Directors around the country.
Knaack has led strategic initiatives that modernized the RRCA, fostered inclusive community engagement, and elevated its national reputation. “Change wasn’t always easy in the early years,” she said. “But we kept moving forward with integrity and a shared vision of what the RRCA could be.”
In 2015, Runner’s World named Knaack one of the 50 Most Influential People in Running—a testament to her leadership and the long-standing influence of the RRCA in the sport. Over the years, she has also become a mentor and advocate for run club leaders across the country, understanding firsthand the challenges and joys of guiding volunteer-led organizations.
Jean’s commitment to the RRCA has been both professional and personal. “My children, now adults, have grown up alongside the RRCA,” she said. “From recess running clubs to their first races, they’ve experienced the confidence and joy that our sport provides. That’s the heart of what we do—creating positive, healthy experiences through running.”
As the RRCA embarks on developing its next strategic plan for 2026–2030, Knaack remains focused on the future: “The foundation we’ve built together is strong, but we still have work to do. We must continue to champion safe, inclusive, and engaging opportunities for all runners—especially youth and underserved communities.”
The RRCA extends its heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Jean Knaack for 20 years of service, vision, and leadership. Her dedication has strengthened not only the organization, but the broader running community it serves.
Jean Knaack extends her deepest gratitude to the countless individuals who have supported her throughout her 20-year journey with the RRCA—too many to name, but each one valued and appreciated. She is especially thankful for the dedicated RRCA staff, including long-time colleagues Andy Smith, Erica Gminski, Mike Webb, and Randy Accetta, whose commitment has been instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission. Jean also recognizes the exceptional teaching team behind the RRCA Coaching Certification Program, whose expertise and passion have helped shape thousands of coaches nationwide. A heartfelt thank you goes to all RRCA board members, especially the board presidents who provided steady leadership and guidance during her tenure: Bee McLeod, Brent Ayer, David Cotter, Mitch Garner, George Rehmet, and Lisa Rippe (current RRCA president). Their vision and support have been foundational to the RRCA’s continued success.
About the RRCA
Founded in 1958, the Road Runners Club of America is the oldest and largest national association of running organizations dedicated to growing and supporting community-based running clubs, events, and programs that serve runners of all ages and abilities. Learn more at www.rrca.org.
Photo: Jean Knaack with her husband Jim at the 2025 Boilermaker Road Race post-race party in Utica, NY. Photo credit: RRCA Certified Race Director Michelle Juehring from Bix 7.