USA Fencing has appointed Jack Gierhart as Interim CEO while it conducts a national search for its permanent chief executive. “USA Fencing is on a solid footing with a terrific national office staff and thousands of volunteers that support our sport ,” commented David Arias, Board Chair of USA Fencing. “We’re fortunate to have Jack join us during this transitional period to lead our staff, improve relationships with external partners, help manage SafeSport and disciplinary matters, and use his skills and experience to serve our entire membership.”
Gierhart is familiar with the NGB and Olympic and Paralympic community, serving as CEO of US Sailing from 2010 through 2020, and steering the organization through a period of strong growth and positive transformation. “I am excited to join USA Fencing,” Gierhart said “and work with its talented and dedicated staff, board, volunteers and athletes to support our members, move critical initiatives forward and provide a smooth and effective transition to the new leadership.” Throughout his career Gierhart has successfully led organizations through challenges and times of change by building strong professional staffs, strengthening collaboration with stakeholders, and focusing on an uncompromising commitment to members, transparency, and the highest ethical standards.
USA Fencing has retained TurnkeyZRG, a highly respected firm specializing in executive leadership for sporting organizations, to conduct a national search for a permanent CEO. The search launched last month and is expected to run through the first part of next year.