Saying it was time to pursue new career challenges, Jay Barrs announced today that he is stepping down as the Director of Promotions for ArrowSport and the Archery Trade Association. Barrs, 41, served two years in the position, and helped launch and direct several long-term projects for ArrowSport, including The Eliminator event at the upcoming ESPN Great Outdoor Games in Madison, Wis.

Jay Barrs, former Director of Promotions for ArrowSport, resigns after a two-year run.

Barrs, a resident of Sandy, Utah, near Salt Lake City, said he will miss the archery industry and fellow staff members at the Archery Trade Association. However, he said he is eagerly exploring two options: He will expand his motivational speaking business, Point First LLC, into a full-time operation, and he is currently in discussions with Ortho Biotech, a Johnson & Johnson company. Barrs said he has been interested in a career change and believes pharmaceutical sales would suit his talents.

Barrs was hired by the ATA — then the Archery Manufacturers’ and Merchants’ Organization — on June 1, 2002. Before that he worked for the Cavalier Equipment Co. from 1985 through 1993, and then joined Easton Technical Products as Promotions Manager before accepting the ATA position.

“Archery has been my life for so long, and I’ve enjoyed everything about it, but I also know there’s a downside to turning your passion into your profession,” Barrs said. “That’s why I’ve decided it’s time to look for a new challenge and see what else is out there. I can’t say enough good things about the people I’ve worked with the past two years at ATA. For me, it’s very satisfying to see how far the organization has come in just the past 25 months. I see a lot of exciting times ahead for the archery industry as we build more archery ranges and get more people flinging arrows.”

Barrs discussed the move late last week with Jay McAninch, ATA’s CEO and president, before announcing it publicly. McAninch said the ATA will miss Barrs’ charisma, credibility and hands-on experience he brought to ArrowSport. McAninch noted that Barrs’ was instrumental in his work with the ESPN Great Outdoor Games which has grown to include several new shots, many more shooters, and a stronger, more competitive women’s element. Barrs also has worked to implement the strategic plan for ArrowSport, which has become very proactive in developing archery ranges across the United States.

“As more private groups learn how to work more effectively with state and federal agencies to capture federal funds and piggyback their programs with their own, I’m confident archery will remain a vital recreation in the United States for years to come,” Barrs said. “The ATA is definitely moving in the right direction.”

Barrs has enjoyed a sterling career in archery. He won the Olympics individual gold medal in archery at the 1988 Games, and helped the U.S. team win the silver medal. He was also a member of the 1992 team and an alternate for the U.S. team in 1996. In addition, he won his 15th NAA national field archery championship this year, a string he started in 1987.

When asked about his career plans, Barrs said it’s time to take the plunge and concentrate full-time on his business interests. “Since winning the Olympics I have been a part-time motivational speaker and have spoken to companies like Nikon, Lucent Technologies, Johnson & Johnson and many others. I have always loved those experiences and decided it might be now or never if I wanted to grow my own business. But before I launch Point First LLC, I want to fully explore my possibilities with Ortho Biotech. I spoke at their national sales meetings a while back, and they’ve since asked me to consider joining their team. Pharmaceuticals would be new to me, but I’m intrigued by the idea of working in an area where so many people can be helped by this new drug.”

Barrs said his passion for archery itself hasn’t declined. “I’ll never lose that love,” he said. “I know I’ll also miss all the great people in the archery industry. I hope I’ll get to see everyone at future shows, tournaments and events.”

McAninch said the ATA will consider how best to use a combination of current staff, and then determine what new position will be needed. “Our focus at ATA on implementing the strategic plans for BPA and ArrowSport has dictated that we need both strategic thinkers who see the ‘big picture’ and worry about the long-term needs of archery and bowhunting, and we need ‘implementers’ who can motivate people to work together and accomplish objectives that are critical to reaching our goals.”