The Commissioner Has Left The Building

Read our 2023 Stab Interview with JMD here.

Jesse Miley Dyer is leaving the WSL after 20 years — six as a CT competitor in the ASP days (2006-2011), 14 as a League employee (2012-2025).

Starting off as the Women’s Tour Manager in 2012, Jessi worked her way up, down, and around the WSL’s corporate rope ladder to earn titles of Deputy Commissioner, VP of Tours and Competition, SVP of Tours and Head of Competition, Chief of Sport, and finally, Commissioner.

Whatever her role, Jessi’s been a presence on Championship Tour for two decades, and her departure will be felt by surfers, fans, and staff alike.

Here’s what Jessi had to say, via LinkedIn:

After an amazing 13-year ride at the World Surf League, I’ve made the decision to step aside from my role as Commissioner at the end of this month.

With the 2025 regular season complete, and with postseason qualifications and the expanded women’s field for 2026 now locked, I feel this is the right moment for me to step aside.

It’s been the honor of a lifetime to oversee the WSL’s competitive landscape for men and women and to work alongside so many passionate people who care deeply about this sport. Championing equality for women in surfing, creating more opportunity for the next generation, and helping build initiatives like equal prize money, WSL Rising Tides, and the expansion of the women’s CT are things I’ll carry with me forever. Honestly, I’m more proud of those milestones than any title I won in my competitive years.

Surfing and its community are part of who I am. While I may be stepping away from the executive side of WSL, I’ll always be in the water, and I’ll always be surfing. I’m excited to see what comes next, and to explore opportunities that align with my purpose and passion.

No word yet on the reason for Jessi’s departure, but one thing is for sure: it looks and feels very different from that of Erik Logan, who received the following send off from the WSL:

Today, the World Surf League (WSL) announced that CEO Erik Logan has departed the company, effective immediately.

Meanwhile, WSL CEO Ryan Crosby had this to say about Jessi:

Her impact on the WSL and the sport as a whole is profound, and she leaves the organization in a stronger, more inclusive place. We’re grateful for her years of service and wish her nothing but success in what comes next.

Where’s Jessi going, and who’ll be the next Commish after Trestles? We’ll get back to you ASAP.