The U.S. Center for SafeSport is actively seeking a new chief executive officer, as announced on Thursday. This recruitment initiative aims to select a leader who will guide the agency into a new chapter following several challenging years as a fledgling organization. Established as a non-profit in 2017, the center focuses on managing sex-abuse cases within Olympic sports, an important and sensitive mandate.

The center has engaged the consulting firm Korn Ferry to spearhead the search process, collaborating with a dedicated search committee comprised of board members and advisors. Board Vice Chair and search committee lead, Chicka Elloy, emphasized the significance of this search, stating, “This is more than a job search. It is a reflection of our values and the people we are accountable to—our staff, athletes, and the broader sport community.”

In light of the search, April Holmes has temporarily stepped down from her role as board chair to take on the responsibilities of interim CEO, succeeding Ju’Riese Colon, who parted ways with the organization earlier this year. Colon's departure was particularly notable as it occurred shortly after Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa began to scrutinize the center following troubling revelations about its hiring of an investigator, who was later charged with rape.

As part of a broader organizational overhaul, the center is also seeking a new chief financial officer. Korn Ferry has begun conducting organizational assessments and reaching out confidentially to identify candidates who embody both executive effectiveness and a commitment to a people-first philosophy. The job description outlines the center's interest in candidates with a profound understanding of the sports ecosystem or relevant experience in abuse prevention, compliance, or athlete advocacy.

Regarding compensation, the targeted salary for the incoming CEO is set between $250,000 and $300,000, reflecting the demanding nature of the role and the heightened responsibility associated with leading an organization of such significance in the realm of sports safety and ethics.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport’s ongoing search for leadership underscores its commitment to enhancing its governance and operational integrity in addressing critical issues of athlete safety and welfare within Olympic sports. With the new appointment, the center hopes to reinforce its mission and re-establish trust among the athletes and communities it serves.