[Source: USA Swimming] USA Swimming has announced that Shana Ferguson is leaving the organization to become the Chief of Sport and Games Delivery of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Ferguson joins LA28 from USA Swimming where she served as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Commercial Officer, and most recently as interim CEO. Ferguson is a proven leader in operational strategy and organizational leadership, with more than two decades of experience in sports management.
“Shana Ferguson is a uniquely talented leader who has made innumerable contributions to USA Swimming,” said Chris Brearton, USA Swimming Board Chair. “She was instrumental in the success of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, onboarding numerous new partners to the Olympic movement, and countless strategic business initiatives, and we are grateful for her commitment to our sport and the success and wellbeing of our athletes. We wish her the best in her next chapter and look forward to working with her at LA28.”
As the USA Swimming Board continues the search for the organization’s next permanent CEO, the CEO Search Task Force welcomes three new members to help guide a refreshed evaluation of candidates. Board Chair Chris Brearton and former Vice Chair Kathy Fish will join the Task Force, along with Director of Swimming at the University of Texas and former Men’s Olympic Head Coach Bob Bowman. As the search continues, the Board announced that Bob Vincent, former Chair of the USA Swimming Board of Directors, will assume the role of Interim CEO, effective April 1.
A seasoned professional in athletic administration and proven leader at all levels of swimming governance, Vincent is deeply knowledgeable about all aspects of USA Swimming operations and well-positioned to lead the organization during this important transition period. Vincent brings extensive experience in the sports industry and leadership roles, having served as Chairman of the USA Swimming Board of Directors from 2018 – 2021. Vincent also served as Board Treasurer from 2016 – 2018, is an active USA Swimming official, and a member of the USA Swimming Foundation’s Champions Club. Vincent will resign from his current role on the Board of Directors to assume the Interim CEO position until his planned retirement once a new permanent leader is selected.
Brearton continued “We are extremely pleased to welcome Bob Vincent as Interim CEO and are thankful for his willingness to take on this service to the organization before his retirement, as we continue our work to support our members and prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.”
During Vincent’s time as Interim CEO, he will focus on maintaining momentum for key strategic initiatives and events, including this summer’s World Aquatics Championships in Singapore and the ongoing search process for the next National Team Managing Director.
“I am honored to step into the role of Interim CEO and help lead USA Swimming at this important moment,” said Bob Vincent. “I have witnessed firsthand the dedication and passion of our athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and staff, and I look forward to working closely with each of them while I serve in this role. The organization is poised for continued success, and I am eager to start engaging with the team in this new leadership capacity.”
“I am thrilled to congratulate Shana Ferguson on her new role as Chief of Sport and Games Delivery for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games,” said Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. “It's awesome to see her apply the skills and experiences gained at USA Swimming to this monumental event. This transition showcases her remarkable talent and highlights the importance of knowledge transfer as we build a strong ecosystem of sports professionals in the United States. I also want to express my gratitude to Bob Vincent for his dedicated service to USA Swimming during this pivotal time.”
