Call for Nominations – Independent Directors for USA Gymnastics Board of Directors

USA Gymnastics is inviting expressions of interest from individuals who would like to serve as an Independent Director on USAG’s Board of Directors. To be considered, please submit the name and contact information of the candidate, confirmation the candidate is willing to serve, and a resume or CV to USA Gymnastics at [email protected] no later than December 9, 2020.

The USA Gymnastics’ Nominating and Governance Committee (NGC) will review all interested candidates and will submit recommendations to the full Board, which will then elect a new Independent Director to fill the open seat. The newly elected director will take office on January 1, 2021, and the term will run for a four (4) year period.

The role of the Board is outlined in Sections 2.4 and 4.2 of the USA Gymnastics Bylaws. Candidates must meet safe sport standards and the qualifications for service outlined in Sections 4.3 and 4.6 of the Bylaws. In addition, external background screenings will be conducted on all finalist candidates considered by the NGC. As provided in the Bylaws, no salary or other compensation shall be paid for volunteering as a director.

The Board is seeking candidates who are committed to USA Gymnastics’ core values of Safety, Integrity, Accountability, Transparency, and Listening, as well as our mission to create a community and culture of health, safety and excellence, where athletes can thrive in sport and in life. Candidates should be change agents that are committed to positive and sustainable solutions.

Independent directors should have a demonstrated history of leadership success. By virtue of their experience, they will be expected to bring governance oversight, accountability, and strategic insight to the organization. Board and governance knowledge for organizations of substantial size, scope, and reach is needed for this role. Senior leadership positions in large governmental or nonprofit organizations may also meet this knowledge threshold. Establishing and supporting high ethical standards across the organization is expected. Understanding and adhering to Bylaws, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations is critical.

Although no specific industry background or professional experience is required for this Board service, knowledge or expertise in child advocacy, pediatrics, social work, general management, talent development, strategic leadership, or other areas relevant to the business of USA Gymnastics is especially helpful. The NGC will make recommendations to encourage racial, gender, and ethnic diversity on the Board of Directors.

To be eligible to serve as an Independent Director, individuals must meet the following standards of independence for a minimum of five (5) years prior to the date upon which their selection to the Board becomes effective, and the absence of any such prior relationship is strongly encouraged by the NGC:

1. The individual has not been employed by or held any governance position (whether a paid or volunteer position) with USAG, FIG, the international regional sport entity or any sport family entity connected to USAG.
2. An immediate family member of the individual has not been employed by or held any governance position (whether a paid or volunteer position) with USAG, FIG, the international regional sport entity, or any sport family entity connected to USAG.
3. The individual has not been affiliated with or employed by USAG’s outside auditor or outside counsel.
4. An immediate family member of the individual has not been affiliated with or employed by USAG’s outside auditor or outside counsel as a partner, principal, or manager.
5. The individual has not been a member of USAG’s Athletes’ Council.
6. The individual has not been a member of any constituent group with representation on the Board.
7. The individual has not received any compensation from USAG, directly or indirectly.
8. The individual is not an executive officer, controlling shareholder, or partner of a corporation or partnership or other business entity that does business with USAG.
9. The individual is not the parent or close family member or coach of an athlete that has competed in a protected competition (as defined in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s Bylaws).
10. The individual is not a member of USAG in a membership category that participates in competitions.