INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 4, 2019 – USA Gymnastics today announced that Annie Heffernon, a native of Olathe, Kansas, is the new vice president of women’s gymnastics. Heffernon, who has served as the interim vice president, is responsible for providing leadership for all aspects of the women’s gymnastics program for USA Gymnastics.
“Annie brings administrative and leadership experience to the position,” said Ivana Hong, the athlete representative for women’s gymnastics on the USA Gymnastics Board of Directors. “She has demonstrated that she has the vision, composure and knowledge to guide women’s gymnastics. Her experience as a gym club owner, coach, and volunteer administrator provides valuable insight into the needs of the program at all levels. Her understanding of and solid relationships with our members – from the athletes and coaches to the club owners and administrators – gives us confidence that Annie will continue to lead the women’s program with integrity and a focus on keeping athlete safety and well-being at the forefront of our efforts.”
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the women’s gymnastics community in this position and to work with the national team staff and athletes and with our volunteer leaders across the country,” said Heffernon. “We have amazing athletes, coaches, club owners and other volunteers across all levels, and we will work together so these young women have the chance to follow their dreams in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere.”
As the vice president of women’s gymnastics, Heffernon’s responsibilities include overseeing the elite and elite developmental programs, as well as the Junior Olympic and other levels; providing oversight and direction for the high performance team coordinator and national staff; working collaboratively with the program’s volunteer leadership; guiding women’s international initiatives; guiding the judging program; and identifying educational priorities for the National and Regional Congresses.
Heffernon joined USA Gymnastics in 2013 as the women’s Junior Olympic program director, where she oversaw and administered all aspects of the women’s Junior Olympic program. She was appointed the interim vice president for women’s gymnastics last May. In 2002, Heffernon became the owner of Kansas Gymnastics and Dance Center, Inc., where she was the head coach beginning in 1993. She started the club’s annual philanthropic initiative, the Pink Ribbon Invitational in 2007, and the event has raised more than $75,000 for breast cancer research. Heffernon was the Region 3 Volunteer of the Year in 2011. In addition, Heffernon served as the Kansas women’s gymnastics state chairperson and was a member of the Kansas USA Gymnastics Committee for more than 10 years.
Heffernon earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma State University.
Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. The organization is committed to creating a culture that encourages and supports its athletes and focuses on the safety and well-being of the athletes. USA Gymnastics has already taken specific, concrete steps to strengthen its safe sport policies and procedures. The organization’s disciplines include men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, acrobatic gymnastics and gymnastics for all (formerly known as group gymnastics). For more complete information, log on to usagym.org.