COLORADO: The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) on Thursday announced the appointment of Sarah Hirshland as its 12th CEO.
Hirshland is presenting serving as the chief commercial officer of the United States Golf Association (USGA). She will be replacing Susanne Lyons for the top job. Lyons was the acting CEO since February this year.
“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,” USOC chairman Larry Probst said on the decision.
“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.”
Hirshland has been credited for golf’s growth in the USA since 2011 through her expertise in areas such as global media and content distribution, corporate partnerships, merchandise and licensing, marketing, communications and community outreach. These have helped in creating a centralized marketing function in the USGA, transforming relationships and service offerings with Allied Golf Associations as well as upgrading tournament management services.
Prior to that, she was the senior vice president for strategic business development at Wasserman Media Group (now Wasserman), where she masterminded sports marketing strategies for clients such as American Express, Nationwide, Nokia, Scotts and Wachovia.
“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.”
It is also believed that the decision has a lot to do with Los Angeles hosting the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028, giving her ample of time to come up and execute strategies to make the event a massive success.
The chairman of LA 2028, Casey Wasserman commented on it.
“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,” she said.
“I look forward to re-teaming 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.”
