Sarah Hirshland: Steering the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee Through Transformation
Sarah Hirshland has been at the helm of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) since August 2018, bringing a transformative approach to the organization during some of its most challenging times.
Who is the CEO of the US Olympics?
Sarah Hirshland serves as the CEO of the USOPC, overseeing both Olympic and Paralympic sports in the United States. She took on the role in August 2018, becoming the first woman to hold this position. Her leadership has been marked by a commitment to athlete welfare, organizational transparency, and inclusivity.
What Does the CEO of the Olympics Make?
According to the USOPC's financial disclosures, Hirshland earned $1.1 million in reportable compensation in 2022. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she voluntarily took a pay cut as sports events were halted and the Tokyo Olympics were postponed.
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What is Her Role?
As CEO, Hirshland's responsibilities include:
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Overseeing the preparation and participation of Team USA in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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Ensuring athlete safety, support, and advocacy.
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Implementing organizational reforms and governance improvements.
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Managing relationships with national governing bodies (NGBs), sponsors, and international sports organizations.
Her tenure has been characterized by efforts to rebuild trust in the USOPC, especially following the Larry Nassar abuse scandal. She played a pivotal role in negotiating a $380 million settlement between the USOPC, USA Gymnastics, and the survivors.
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When Did She Get the Role?
Hirshland was appointed as CEO in July 2018 and officially began her duties in August 2018. Her selection came during a period when the USOPC was seeking to restore credibility and prioritize athlete welfare.
Notable Achievements and Initiatives
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Athlete Support Enhancements: Under her leadership, the USOPC expanded mental health services, increased athlete representation in decision-making bodies, and improved health insurance coverage, including provisions for athletes during and after pregnancy.
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Governance Reforms: Implemented audits for NGBs to ensure compliance with governance and athlete protection policies.
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Pandemic Response: Played a crucial role in the decision to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by one year, mitigating potential financial and logistical challenges.
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Future Planning: Secured a five-year contract extension in June 2024, ensuring her leadership through the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Sarah Hirshland's tenure as CEO of the USOPC reflects a commitment to transformative leadership, focusing on athlete welfare, organizational integrity, and preparing Team USA for future successes on the global stage.
