USA Curling named former NWSL Commissioner JEFF PLUSH its new CEO, "going outside the sport" to put Plush "in charge of growing the game at both the elite and grassroot level," according to Jimmy Golen of the AP. Plush was the first NWSL Commissioner, and also has served as the Rapids Managing Dir. USA Curling is "coming off its most successful Olympics ever," with the men's team "winning the country's first-ever gold medal." Plush's mission will be to "capitalize on curling's quadrennial moment in the spotlight to grow the sport in the U.S." One of his "first tasks will be to hire a leader for the USA Curling high performance program that is designed to be an incubator for potential Olympians" (AP, 2/6).
DIVING LOOKS FOR A BOSS: USA Diving CEO TERRY BASSETT resigned after just over four months on the job, leaving the troubled NGB with a top vacancy six months out from the Tokyo Games. No reason was given for Bassett’s departure this week. Bassett joined USA Diving on Oct. 1 after a tumultuous period for the organization’s BOD, which was cited by USOPC investigations for lacking basic financial controls and permitting rampant conflicts of interest. Bassett was the first full-time CEO since LEE JOHNSON quit amid disagreements with the board in September '18 (Ben Fischer, THE DAILY).
GYMNASTICS MAKES A MOVE: USA Gymnastics named CAROL FABRIZIO Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, effective Feb. 13. Fabrizio will be based in Indianapolis and will report directly to President & CEO LI LI LEUNG. Fabrizio will develop and implement a strategic direction for the organization's internal and external communications and marketing philosophy. She spent the past nine years with Vail Resorts, most recently as VP/Communications & Marketing Operations (USAG).
