USATF Renews CEO Search
INDIANAPOLIS – USA Track & Field
on Monday announced it has resumed its search for a new CEO, with a
timeline geared toward selecting the federation’s top executive prior to
the 2012 Olympic Trials.
The search will be directed by the
board of directors’ CEO Search Committee, composed of Stephanie
Hightower (chair), Steve Miller, Deena Kastor, Aretha Thurmond and
Mickey Carter. The search includes a new job description focusing on
the core competencies and experience sought for the position. USATF has in place nearly 100
candidate resumes and profiles from its 2011 CEO search. The committee
is reviewing those candidates while also seeking additional executives
who fulfill the qualities and experience listed in the job description,
below. Candidate interviews will begin next
month. A new CEO is expected to be announced well in advance of the
2012 Olympic Trials, held June 22-July 1 in Eugene, Oregon. “Our board of directors is committed
to engaging a strong, visionary leader who combines success in the
sports business marketplace with the political acumen, knowledge of our
sport and people skills that are so essential to being successful in
this position,” Hightower said. “We have everything we need to conduct
this search thoroughly and expediently. Our athletes have shown they are
ready for the Olympic Trials and Olympic Games. We want to ensure that
as an organization we are ready as
well.” Position Summary
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Reports to: USATF Board of Directors
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate is an
accomplished executive/business leader with proven ability and success
in growing revenue, managing a diverse staff of professionals and
working productively with a strong, diverse board of directors. He/she
will work effectively with the board of directors and across a complex,
diverse and at times politically charged volunteer organization to
accelerate the realization of the USATF vision and strategic plan. It is vital that they are someone
who is either in or has a long history with the sport of track and field
who possesses true passion for the sport and has an intimate knowledge
how the sport is organized and operates from the grassroots to the World
Championships and Olympic games. It is a given that this person has
deep experience in marketing, broadcasting and media/sponsorship sales;
what sets them apart is their strengths in both disciplines and ability
to deliver unprecedented results and elevate the
USATF brand. Candidate Specifications Role and Responsibilities:
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
and staff of USATF work to carry out the policies set forth by the
organization’s volunteer constituency and Board of Directors and
administer the day-to-day duties of the organization. The CEO is the
spokesperson and will lead all aspects of USATF with integrity and in
accordance with the USATF 2009 Strategic Plan, and Board policies. Core Competencies:
Innovative Marketing and Sales Professional.
Savvy in marketing and building a business while being passionate about
selling the sport to the fan base, sponsors and television. Knows how
to leverage their own connections and the connections of others to open
doors and drive revenue. Continuously developing new ways of “creating
events and buzz” that will allow USATF to exceed sponsors’ activation
expectations and contribute to harnessing the growth of running,
building the fan base and everyone’s engagement in the sport at both the
grassroots and professional
level. Supporter of Athletes and Volunteers.
Knows that the USATF exists because of and for the athletes. Recognizes
that the athletes and volunteers will embrace a leader who embraces
them and understands their value and deals constructively with their
idiosyncrasies with compassion. Specific Responsibilities: Strategy. In
conjunction with the Board and other senior management is responsible
and accountable for growth and development of USATF and track and field
as a major sport. Develop USATF’s short and long-term operating plans
consistent with the overall strategic plan and designed to grow revenues
and move the USATF on an accelerated growth path. Communication.
Solicits input and perspective on key issues and projects and is an
active listener who builds consensus and finds the common ground in
resolving issues. Keeps the board, volunteer constituencies and staff
informed and up to date on important issues and developments in a
productive, give-and-take manner and follows through on commitments.
Deals effectively with the media. Results.
Responsible for leading the sales effort and the team in the
acquisition, maintenance, and retention of sponsors. Sell at high
levels; coordinate the advertising, promotion, and public relations
activities to assure growth of the USATF brand and the sport of track
and field. Develop marketing strategies that consider USATF as a whole
as well as the promotion of specific events and athletes. Directs and
coordinates business activities, costs, operations, and forecast data to
determine progress toward stated goals and objectives. Sets and meets
budgets that reflect tough choices and financial constraints. Knows how
to creatively use all the talent available to leverage the staff and
volunteers. Experience Requirements: - Previous CEO/President or comparable experience preferred.
- Minimum 10 years executive level
corporate executive experience and a track record of growth and success
where best practices are utilized with significant business management
and strategy development experience. - Minimum 5 years sports
marketing, joint venture, licensing, sponsor relationship experience
whereby the person understands the way the sports industry operates
today as well as in the rapidly changing new media world.
For information on candidacy submissions, contact Kimberly Blackwell of PMM Agency: kimberly@pmm-agency.com For biographies of CEO Search Committee members, visit http://www.usatf.org/About/Committees/Board-of-Directors.aspx | 
by Larry Eder
