About Us

Joe Woodworth

Runner/Owner/Artist

Joe has competed in hundreds of races, secretly prefers any run ten miles and under, but will run 13.1 when needed. Providing specialized medals and apparel for over twenty years, Joe is a top resource for Race Directors. His running career, product knowledge and creativity has helped him create great items and designs that runners look forward to every year.

Jeff Mills

Runner/Vice President

Jeff, unlike Joe, has no problem running races over ten miles. He has completed 28 marathons, with no signs of stopping anytime soon. Also a trained scientist with a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology, Jeff decided to follow his passions for running and helping others and joined Joe at CNY Racing. His warm demeanor, knowledge of running and desire to create amazing products has made Jeff a valuable asset to our team.

Dan Kiesznowski

Runner/Production Manager

Dan is our production manager and screen printer, who is coming up to his 10 year anniversary of first picking up the squeegee. He enjoys running 5ks but REALLY enjoys Mud Runs.

David Herring

Artist / Graphics

With 20 years of experience, David has excelled in diverse design projects, spanning promotional products, brand development, web design, and marketing campaigns. He and his longtime friend Joe met as college roommates, embarking on numerous adventures together. The duo established a design/print company in their early twenties and have since worked together, sharing a common mission of creating unique and wearable designs for events. Beyond his design prowess, Dave finds solace in fly fishing and cherishes time spent with his beautiful family, including his adopted son Simon from Uganda. His unmatched eye for design sets him apart in the industry.

Jay Nadeau

Production/Mr. Fix-it

Jay joined the USA Racing team in August 2021, bringing with him a wealth of technical expertise, knowledge, and an unwavering 110% work ethic. His long-standing friendship with Joe, spanning over two decades of pick-up basketball, made it a smooth transition onto the team. Jay swiftly mastered the art of Screen Printing, consistently delivering prints of the highest quality. As a versatile team member, he not only operates the equipment but also utilizes his mechanical acumen to fix and maintain all machinery, earning him the title of Mr. FIX IT. While Jay may have his grumpy days, he is truly a teddy bear at heart. In his spare time, he loves ATVs, snowmobiles, and anything OUTDOORS!

Christine Schaefer

Account Manager

8 years ago Christine decided to change gears and pursue a career that sparked joy and allowed her to reinvigorate her creative juices. Joining USA Racing enabled her to apply her talent to a team of hardworking and dedicated staff who made it easier to go the extra mile for the team and the customer. Christine loves helping people find the just right touches. Need something cool and unique? She will help you realize your vision and maximize your budget. Christine is the one that the team turns to when they need to get things done. When she is not busy being "the glue" that holds our front-end crew together you will find her somewhere out in nature.

Chris Hannan

Runner/Graphics

Chris ran cross country and track & field competitively during his four years at SUNY Oneonta. He helped bring his team to the NCAA tournament his senior year and captured an individual SUNYAC title in the Indoor 5k. As well, he was introduced to screen printing in Oneonta and has further developed his printing skills during his time at CNY Racing. Chris joined the team in May of 2019.

Vicki Woodworth

Accounting/Payroll/Super Mom

Vicki has been an integral part of the business since its inception and officially joined USA Racing on a full-time basis in March 2020. With a background in the medical billing field, she brings over 7 years of experience to her role, expertly handling accounting and payroll responsibilities. Additionally, Vicki plays a crucial role in keeping Joe on track around the clock. Outside of work, she devotes her time to shuttling their two kids to various sporting activities, preparing family meals, and playing with the two family cats. Her dedication and commitment contribute to the smooth functioning of USA Racing, both within the office and in supporting the full family full schedule.

Jason Clark

Account Manager/ The Muscle

In April 2023, Jason enthusiastically joined the USA Racing team, embarking on a new chapter in his career. After dedicating 16 years to Home Depot, he sought a creative outlet to fuel his passion. With an unwavering work ethic and a mindset of Work Hard, Never Give Up, Jason seamlessly integrates into USA Racing. His previous ownership of an apparel company specializing in mini trucks equips him with extensive experience in screen printing, making him a valuable asset in his role as an Account Manager. Distinct from many of his colleagues, his passion lies in weightlifting, which is how he first crossed paths with Joe 23 years ago. When not immersed in his work, Jason indulges in his hobbies, including custom car building, home remodeling, and landscaping.

Molley DeFrees

Warehouse/ The Organizer

Molley began working for USA Racing in 2019. She has a bachelor?s degree in fine arts, has 15+ years of experience in the shipping & receiving field, and unlike many of her coworkers, she is not a runner but has worked in and around the running community for years. Her meticulous nature shines through as she ensures the team operates in a clean and organized environment, maintaining a designated place for everything in the warehouse. She is the only other one as OCD as the Boss Man.

Kevin Collins

Runner/Production/Delivery

In 2022, Kevin enthusiastically joined USA Racing, driven by his desire to be part of a dynamic, hard-working team and pursue an adventurous career. With an extensive background in the running community, including 7 years in running footwear/apparel sales and the founding of two of Central New York?s largest running clubs, Kevin brings a wealth of experience. As a Coach, he takes great pleasure in sharing his passion and knowledge to nurture the next generation of dedicated, active athletes.

Kevin?s lifelong dedication to running has seen him spend 15 years in the ranks of U.S. Marathoning?s elite, qualifying for three U.S. Olympic Trials and two World Championship Teams. Recognizing his remarkable achievements, Kevin was honored with induction into the prestigious Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.

He exudes positivity which inspires the USA Racing team every day.

Robin Affinati

Runner/Production

In 2011, Robin took up running, discovering a newfound passion for the sport. While she may not be a competitive runner herself, she finds great joy in attending races to support her sister and cheer on all the participants. In May 2022, Robin initially joined the USA Racing team on a part-time basis before transitioning to full-time in May 2023. With a strong retail background, including over 10 years at both Dicks Sporting Goods and Sports Authority, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. Her expertise shines through as she enhances the look and feel of all our Expos and Events, ensuring even the smallest details, such as hanger placement, meet her meticulous standards. She has mastered the art of embroidery and screen printing. Robin is an active member of the local running community, frequently volunteering at numerous events throughout the year. She goes above and beyond by assisting race directors with various tasks, including packet pickups, start/finish setups, and race cleanup, further strengthening her ties within the running community.

Renee  Affinati

Runner/Production

In 2010, Renee discovered her love for running and has since immersed herself in various races, ranging from 5k’s to half marathons. She relishes the opportunity to connect with fellow athletes both during training and at race events. Joining the USA Racing team part-time in May 2022, Renee’s commitment and dedication led to her transition to full-time employment in May 2023. Just like her sister, she actively contributes to the running community by volunteering and offering support wherever it’s needed. With two decades of experience working alongside her twin sister in the retail industry, Renee brings exceptional skills to the table, particularly in event expo setup and displays. She has taken on the responsibility of producing remarkable race items. Renee’s versatility and drive make her an invaluable asset to the team.

Woody Woodworth

Runner/Favorite/Delivery

Fred “Woody” Woodworth started running at the young age of 56. He eased his way into running, skipping over the 5k distance and starting his first race ever at the Utica Boilermaker 15k. With his attention to detail and passion for working with people, Woody’s customer service takes the pressure off race directors already stressed environment.

Ken Jones

Production

Ken is a talented graphic designer with a BFA. Following two decades in the retail industry, he joined USA Racing in January 2023, eager to channel his skills and passion into this new endeavor. While Ken may not be a runner himself, he deeply appreciates the motivation, spirit, and generosity that drive the countless events taking place nationwide. His current role involves overseeing all pre-press and separation work, ensuring that the art seamlessly transitions into the final production stage. Additionally, Ken brings valuable expertise in graphic design and social media to the team, having even cultivated his own successful YouTube channel.  In his spare time, Ken loves traveling to interesting places with his wife.

Todd Robertson

Runner/Consultant

Todd and Joe have been long-time friends since he launched the Lake Effect Half Marathon in 2012. He has been a part of some of the signature USA Racing expos lending a hand to set up, sell merchandise and break down afterward. Todd manages deliveries to customers in the Southeast US territory. He brings to bear extensive business acumen, race production, technology, and community engagement on a “consulting” basis to the USA Racing Team. He is an avid athlete, Boston Marathon qualifier, community volunteer, and a run streaker (running just over 3500 days in a row of at least 1 mile)! His multifaceted contributions make him a valuable asset to both the USA Racing team and the wider running industry.