U.S. Olympic Committee names Sarah Hirshland chief executive officer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The United States Olympic Committee today named Sarah Hirshland as

its 12th chief executive officer. Hirshland, currently chief commercial officer for the United States Golf

Association, brings a unique and proven set of skills and experiences to the USOC at a time of

transformation and change for the organization.

"The USOC is at a critical time in its history and requires an energetic, creative and inspiring leader who is

capable of building on past success while making sure that the athletes we serve are protected,

supported and empowered in every possible way," said USOC Chairman Larry Probst. "I’m thrilled that

Sarah has accepted the position and thankful to the diverse slate of candidates who participated in our

process to hire the very best person for this important responsibility. I’d also like to acknowledge Susanne

Lyons for her superb leadership of the USOC for the last several months, while ensuring that America’s

athletes continue to receive the support they need during our period of transition."

In her current role, Hirshland is responsible for the USGA’s global media and content distribution,

corporate partnerships, merchandise and licensing, marketing, communications, community outreach and

Golfer Handicap Information Network. Among her accomplishments at the USGA, she established a

centralized marketing function, transformed relationships and service offerings with the Allied Golf

Associations, oversaw media rights negotiations, secured and managed global corporate partnerships,

and guided the transformation of tournament management services.

Prior to joining the USGA in 2011, she was senior vice president for strategic business development at

Wasserman Media Group (now Wasserman). She also previously worked in Wasserman’s consulting

division, leading the development of sports marketing strategies for clients such as American Express,

Nationwide, Nokia, Scotts and Wachovia. In addition, Hirshland has served in key executive positions

with sports and entertainment firm OnSport, and sports news and technology company Total Sports.

"The Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the movements they help advance, are a source of inspiration

and admiration on every continent on earth, and one of the few things in history that can bring the world

together in celebration. To be invited to lead the Olympic and Paralympic community in the United States,

to be associated with Team USA, and to have the honor and privilege of serving America’s athletes is an

absolute dream come true," said Hirshland. "I also recognize the challenges ahead as we navigate this

critical moment in the USOC’s history. We must protect, support and empower athletes, young and old,

elite and beginner. Olympic and Paralympic sport in the United States must be a shining example, able to

provide athletes with the benefits of participation in an environment free from abuse of any kind. The

USOC has made great strides in this area and I look forward to carrying on that critically important work."

Hirshland takes over as CEO from Lyons, who has served as acting CEO since February 2018. Lyons

succeeded Scott Blackmun, who had held the position since January 2010.

"It has been an honor to serve during this period of transition," said Lyons. "My goals were to stabilize the

organization, develop an aggressive action plan to increase athlete safety and respond to the challenges

currently facing the organization, and to assist in hiring the very best person who can take those plans

forward and redefine the role of the USOC in years to come. I feel we have accomplished those goals

and I’m absolutely committed to helping Sarah in any way that I can."

Max Cobb, chair of the USOC National Governing Bodies Council said, "Sarah brings a wealth of sports

business experience and a unique perspective to the USOC at a transformative time in its history. Her

appointment is an opportunity for the Olympic and Paralympic community in the United States to come

together, continue to make progress on the critically important area of athlete safety, and support the

constant advancement of sport in our country. I know the NGB leaders will enjoy working with her as we

shape the future together."

"I know firsthand that Sarah is a visionary leader and exactly the right person to lead the USOC as we

collectively build to the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games," said LA 2028 Chair Casey

Wasserman. "I look forward to reteaming with Sarah plus the entire team at the USOC to deliver a new

Games for a new era that benefit athletes and our communities alike, and connect the Olympic and

Paralympic movements to the future."

"Sarah has been a wonderfully impactful leader as we have worked to preserve, protect and enhance the

game of golf," said Mike Davis, CEO of the United States Golf Association. "With golf’s return to the

Olympics a couple years ago, the game already has a strong working relationship with the USOC and

now with Sarah at the helm this connection will only be strengthened."

Hirshland is a graduate of Duke University. She and her husband have three adult children and will

relocate to Colorado Springs, Colorado, Olympic City USA.

Spencer Stuart conducted the nationwide search. Hirshland will commence her role with the USOC by the

end of August.

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