D.C. Council committee hears testimony from Barbara Jones on State Athletics Commission nomination

Barbara Jones, Mayor Muriel Bowser's nominee to the District of Columbia State Athletics Commission, testified March 23 before the Committee as a Whole of the Council of the District of Columbia in Room 412 of the Johnny Wilson Building, saying youth sports shaped her life and that she has no outstanding liabilities or conflicts that would impede her service.

Jones told the committee, “Youth sports are very critical because it goes beyond physical fitness,” and described competing in track and volleyball through D.C. public schools and DC Teachers College (now the University of the District of Columbia). She said playing multiple sports helped her develop teamwork, time management and self-confidence.

The committee heard basic biographical and credentialing information: Jones said she holds two bachelor’s degrees (one in biology and one in public health administration), a master’s degree in counseling, and that she recently received an honorary PhD and a community-impact award in 2026 from St. Michael’s Christian School in Atlanta. Chair Phil Mendelson asked whether she had any outstanding tax liabilities or other payments owed to the District, federal government, or other states; Jones replied she did not and said she would disclose any future conflicts to the commission.

Mendelson also asked whether Jones could meet the time requirements of serving on the commission; Jones said she is “available anytime” and that she will make the necessary time and effort to serve. Mendelson repeated that the administrative record for the nomination will remain open until 5 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026, and said the committee could present the nomination to the full Council as early as next week.

The roundtable was brief: Mendelson opened the hearing at 3:19 p.m., recognized Jones to speak, conducted a short question-and-answer period on credentials, conflicts and availability, and adjourned at 3:28 p.m. There was no vote or formal action taken at the session; the committee left the record open for additional submissions before final consideration.

Note on the record: the transcript refers to the nomination as “PR25-five 49” early in the hearing and later as “PR26-five 49.” That inconsistency appears in the hearing record and has been noted for clerical clarification before final Council action.