We are writing to advise you that Karen Golz has completed her board service to USA Gymnastics and has stepped down as chair. We thank her for her dedicated service as the first chair of the new Board.

We are pleased and excited to let you know that Kathryn Carson has been elected to succeed Karen as our new Board chair. Kathryn has the experience and personal qualities to lead our Board and USA Gymnastics as we address the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.

Kathryn served as senior vice president and general counsel for PepsiCo’s Pepsi North America and Foodservice businesses, where she was part of leadership teams that grew the Pepsi, Frito-Lay and Quaker Food brands.

She also has significant experience in the sports world, most recently serving as chief legal officer of the United States Golf Association, the non-profit organization that governs the game of golf. In that role, she was involved in all aspects of the organization, from sponsor relationships to marketing agreements to media contracts.

In addition to joining the Board of USA Gymnastics this past June, Kathryn was also a Board member of USA Field Hockey, the sport’s National Governing Body. Kathryn is an avid golfer and her daughter played competitive field hockey.

Kathryn has been an active member of our Board, and we know she shares your passion to restore faith and confidence in USA Gymnastics. In the coming days and weeks, she will be reaching out to many of you to listen to your thoughts and share her views.

— USA Gymnastics Board of Directors


A message from Kathryn Carson to USA Gymnastics members

To USA Gymnastics members:

I am humbled, but also excited about the opportunity to serve as chair of USA Gymnastics. In my short time on the Board, I have come to know the operations of USA Gymnastics, and our members and have been so impressed with the hard work and dedication that you put in every day to help our gymnasts learn skills, compete and build confidence that will sustain them throughout their lives.

While we still have some challenges ahead, I very much believe things will get better. We can assure you – our members, parents and athletes alike – of our commitment to athlete safety and well-being, and to acting in the best interests of the greater gymnastics community. And, we will do all we can to help the survivors move forward.

Our strong membership has sustained USA Gymnastics through these trying times and is a source of optimism as we look ahead. We look forward to hiring a CEO with a vision and leadership qualities who can who can restore faith and confidence in USA Gymnastics.

Part of my sense of excitement comes from the fact that, after all we have been through, we continue to maintain our membership and meet the needs and goals of our members, and our gymnasts continue to find success at all levels, both in the gym and in competition.

I plan to keep you informed as developments occur and hope that you will let me know about any ideas, questions or concerns that you may have. Please feel free to reach me via [email protected].

Sincerely,
Kathryn Carson