INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Sept. 14, 2010 – Kathy Feldmann, who has been involved in gymnastics for more than 40 years, is resigning as the vice president of member services for USA Gymnastics, effective Dec. 31, 2010. Feldmann joined the national staff as vice president in 1997 after serving as the national chairman for the women’s program for five years. She and her husband, Gordon, are relocating to Mesquite, Nev.
"Kathy has been a trusted member of the USA Gymnastics community for many years and a valuable asset to the organization," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. " Her background as an educator, judge, coach, club owner and administrator gave her a unique combination of skills. Under her guidance, our Member Services Division has provided the highest level of service in our organization’s history. She has contributed greatly to USA Gymnastics and our sport."
Feldmann, who has been a member of USA Gymnastics since 1975, said, " I leave this position very excited about life’s next adventure, but also with a full heart for USA Gymnastics and the many wonderful people, both staff and volunteers, I have worked with through the years. USA Gymnastics has benefited from the commitment and hard work of so many, and I am proud to have been a part of such a wonderful organization."
As vice president of member services, Feldmann directed member and member club services, along with safety, education, and the USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show, as well as served as the staff liaison for the Hall of Fame. During her tenure, USA Gymnastics membership has grown to more than 125,000 athletes and professional members. Professional membership standards have increased to include mandatory safety certification and criminal background screening and are considered a best practice in the industry. The USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show has seen incredible growth, and educational opportunities have been greatly expanded. Education offerings have been reorganized into USA Gymnastics University, with both online and "live" classes, offering a full line of classes that encompass the sport’s business and coaching needs.
Prior to joining the USA Gymnastics staff, Feldmann was self-employed as a gymnastics consultant, meeting planner, clinician and high school commissioner of officials from 1985-97. She was the women’s gymnastics coach and sports information director for Rhode Island College from 1981-85. She worked at Norwood (Mass.) High School from 1969-81, where she held a variety of positions, including physical education department head; gymnastics, softball and field hockey coach; and health and physical education curriculum development leader. She was the Region 6 Congress director from 1980-97 and the collegiate coordinator for USA Gymnastics from 1992-97.
As a volunteer, Feldmann served in a number of capacities for the women’s program, including USA Gymnastics administrative national chairperson and representative on the Board of Directors, 1992-97; USA Gymnastics assistant national chairperson, 1987-92; Region 6 chairperson, 1980-92; Massachusetts state chairperson, 1977-80; technical assistant judge at the 1996 Olympic Games; head of delegation for the 1994 World Championships; and team leader for 1995, 1997 and 1999 World University Games. A gymnastics judge since 1969, she became a Brevet judge in 1989. Feldmann still judges collegiate and age-group gymnastics.
"Kathy’s involvement in the sport has left an indelible mark." said Peter Vidmar, USA Gymnastics chairman of the Board of Directors. " Her dedication to gymnastics, love of the sport, and her commitment to excellence have always been important to her and a great benefit to our sport and its membership We thank her for her many years of service and wish both Kathy and Gordy the very best as they embark on their new adventure."
Information regarding the position and process for replacing Feldmann will be placed on USA Gymnastics’ website in the near future.