SHANE TYREE, BCA’S NEW CEO, TALKS THE FUTURE OF THE BCA

By Keith Loria

At the end of March, longtime BCA CEO Rob Johnson stepped down from his position, and the Board of Directors named Shane Tyree, who was serving as vice president of operations, as his successor.

Tyree was hired as the membership and communications manager of the BCA in 2009 and was promoted to his vice president position, where he has been responsible for overseeing the organization’s membership and communications activities. He also serves as executive director for the Billiard Education Foundation and is also vice president and sports director for the World Pool-Billiard Association.

“I am thrilled about the opportunity to lead the association and welcome the challenge that comes with being named the BCA’s CEO,” Tyree said. “I love working for the association, serving the industry, and promoting this sport we all love. I look forward to continuing to build upon the momentum Rob Johnson, the BCA Board of Directors and I have established over the past decade of working together.”

Tyree spoke about his plans as CEO and what to expect in the years ahead.

Where do you see the future of the BCA going?

I don’t have a crystal ball to predict the future – that would make my job a lot easier. We’re going to invest into the sport and try to promote and highlight the accomplishments and achievements you can receive from playing this sport at the highest level.

What are some of your initial ideas?

We’re going to try some new things, but that doesn’t mean all the initiatives and programs that we put on paper are going to be successful. As an association, we need to learn how to use our resources and work smarter not harder. The Board is currently discussing looking to create a North American Championship again. We’ll look to form partnerships and alliances with promotors and leagues to see what we can do for the benefit of promoting, developing, and showcasing American pool players. The Billiard Congress of America must diversify its product line. We started as a player’s association and then we grew to a trade association. Now, we’re continuing to see the trade side of the industry consolidate so now is the time for the association to diversify and pivot back into the play and sport side of the game.

How do you do that?

It all starts with the junior pool players. These are not just tomorrow’s customers but also tomorrow’s ambassadors for the sport. The Billiard Congress of America must develop a proper infrastructure for junior competitors that provides a path to continue their development and showcase their talent. Ideally, this infrastructure will also lead the association back to creating a North American Championship. As the North American governing body for pool and billiards, it only makes sense for us to work with and form strategic alliances with as many leagues, pool promotors, and billiard associations as possible. We won’t be able to create such an ambitious event in a vacuum. The more people, promoters and organizations that are working together in the same direction will only benefit the growth of our entire industry.

What questions do you ponder as you think about new ideas?

Honestly, the options are limitless, I just wish the budgets were too!

What are your plans for the Juniors?

The juniors and the Billiard Education Foundation is and has always been a passion project for me. Any time I’m feeling burned out and exhausted, I can always shift gears and focus on the juniors to inspire and motivate me. As I’ve said, we can’t lose focus on the junior competitors or their development. Right now, there is no structure