Harris has helped strengthen the group’s financial position and grown NCAA triathlon programmingusa triathlon
USA Triathlon has extended CEO Rocky Harris’ contract through ‘24, a vote of confidence in the former Arizona State COO who joined the NGB in ‘17. His prior deal was set to expire at the end of this year. Barry Siff, the Chair of the NGB’s BOD, said Harris’ execution on the nonprofit’s strategic plan “has been nothing short of excellent.” “The opportunity to lock him in for extra years was a win-win-win,” Siff said. “Good for him, great for us, and just great for the sport. I honestly think it’s great for the Olympic movement.” Siff said USAT expects a “positive swing” in Triathlon participation in ‘19 after a long period of flat to declining interest across outdoor endurance sports earlier this decade. He also credited Harris for contributions to the group’s secure financial position and growth in NCAA triathlon programming. Harris said he is “thrilled” to know he will be in place through the ’20 Tokyo and ’24 Paris Games. “The main reason the extension made sense is that our community is behind us in a big way, and that has not been that way in a very long time,” Harris said. “They believe in where we’re going as an organization, and that’s something I’m really proud of.” USAT also recently tweaked its strategic plan to call for increased focus on member/customer satisfaction, increasing female participation from 39% to 42%, launching a collaboration with historically black colleges and universities and using technology to improve efficiency.
COME AND GO AS YOU PLEASE: Meanwhile, USAT recently instituted unlimited vacation for its 63 employees, dropping all policies dictating the accrual and use of paid time off. “The younger generation, they want to work hard and be very successful and impactful, but they also want flexibility to live,” said Harris. He adding this is part of his effort to make USAT “the best Olympic NGB to work for.” “It’s more important to measure what they accomplish rather than how many hours they spend at their desks,” he added.
