USRowing Executive Director Rich Cacioppo Moves to New Role

USRowing Executive Director Rich Cacioppo will transition to a strategic advisory role for the organization over the coming months to support USRowing’s plans for coastal and indoors disciplines, high performance and grassroots facilities and the sport’s future.

Cacioppo joined USRowing in January 2022 to lead efforts across membership, competition, learning and development and safeguarding. His scope expanded in January 2023 to encompass finance, operations, marketing and communications.

“It’s often said that no one is irreplaceable, but if anyone comes close, it’s Rich,” said Amanda Kraus, USRowing chief executive officer. “His ambitious ideas have transformed our sport, turning visions into realities, modernizing our systems and elevating how we work as an organization. He has inspired us all to reach higher and do better; he will be tremendously missed.”

Chief Marketing Officer Lizzie Seedhouse and Chief Financial Officer Sarah May will report to Kraus and May will take on additional operations responsibilities in the coming months. USRowing is opening a public search for a new chief experience officer to lead the sport’s grassroots efforts.

“It has been one of the great honors of my life to give back to the sport that gave me so much in this way,” said Cacioppo. “From day one, my focus has been on building a strong foundation for the organization to deliver against its mission well beyond my tenure. Thanks to the trust and partnership afforded to me by the teams I’ve supported, my leadership peers, Amanda, and our board. I enter this new stage more excited than ever for the future of our sport.”

Cacioppo has contributed to USRowing’s record membership and has overseen the NGB’s hosting of regattas and competitions. He broadly contributed to USRowing’s next phase leading up to the 2028 Olympic Summer Games in Los Angeles.

“We are immensely proud of Rich’s accomplishments during his time with us,” said Kirsten Feldman, USRowing board chair. “His efforts to professionalize USRowing will have a lasting impact on both the organization and the sport. We are deeply grateful for his contributions to systems, technology, and operations, which have positioned the organization to meet our high standards of excellence in both the short and long term.”