USATF seeks new CEO tagged:

USATF seeks new CEO

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So there is a search for a new CEO at USATF, (That’s USA Track and Field for you newbies).  USA Track and Field USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world’s oldest organized sports, the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States. Led by President Stephanie Hightower and interim CEO Michael McNees, USATF is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization with a staff of professional program administrators at the National Office in Indianapolis.
What you may not be aware of is that recently, despite growing revenues significantly, USATF’s volunteer board of directors decided to fire Doug Logan, under circumstances that most would consider “Non transparent”.  The rumor is that Doug Logan’s approach rubbed many the wrong way, and that USATF is a highly polarized and political organization.  This rumor is in stark contrast with their strategic plan. Which discusses and highlights the importance of the following:

“All our constituencies work together to support our sport’s success.”  To me, this means that the board, and the committee heads will put the sport ahead of their political and personal agendas.

“The public and the media respect and are drawn to our sport.”  Well, the recent firing of Doug Logan, who had brought increased revenues to USATF will put this into question.

“Management models new paradigm of ethical, transparent, accountable behavior” Watch as we move forward to see if behavior is transparent.

The question remains, while the new CEO is being sought out.   What are the leadership needs of USATF?   Is it more revenue?  Since the board of directors was unwilling to name any specific performance deficiencies (all under the name of legality) that Doug Logan had, it begs the question:  Why was Doug Logan fired?  Was he not transparent enough?  Did he cross Stephanie Hightower, who may or may not have extreme influence over many under qualified board members?

If you love politics, you’ll have to stay tuned.