ABA Gives Special Thanks to Jef Bailey

After nearly 16 years with Alberta Basketball Association (ABA), Jef Bailey is departing to pursue new interests.

Since joining ABA in 2008, Bailey has made a tremendous impact on the game in our province. He served as Program and Events Director before becoming General Manager of Business Operations and Finance.

"He's a name that's synonymous with ABA,” said Dave Drabiuk, ABA Executive Director. “When I think of Alberta Basketball, I think of Jef. It’s rare for someone to work in a non-profit for 16 years, and ABA has been lucky to have that consistency and continuity over the years.”

Bailey has been instrumental in ensuring the operational efficiency of ABA. He helped design ABA’s accounting system and handled all financial reporting for the organization.

Thanks to Bailey’s efforts, Youth Provincials have become a wildly successful tournament that annually brings together 150 teams from around Alberta in a celebration of basketball. Bailey led ABA’s involvement with elite international events being staged in Edmonton, such as the FIBA 3x3 World Tour and Women’s Series. He also was part of ABA hosting the Canada Basketball National Championships on multiple occasions.

Bailey had a significant role in assembling and managing ABA’s provincial teams that compete at the National Championships every summer and quadrennially in the Canada Games. Throughout Bailey’s tenure, ABA’s teams have frequently medaled while providing pivotal experience for young Albertans who have gone on to excel at basketball’s highest levels, collegiately, professionally, and internationally.

“Jef’s fingerprints are all over everything we do, and now we're going to do our very best to continue the great work that he's done,” Drabiuk said. “ABA owes him a huge thanks, and we wish him well in his future.”