Boyden Lands CEO for USA Diving
October 1, 2019 – Executive search firm Boyden has recruited Terry Basset as the new CEO of USA Diving in Colorado Springs, CO. He replaces Lee Walsi Johnson who left after just 16 months on the job. Jack Perkins had been acting CEO. Partner Chip Novick led the assignment.
Mr. Basset became the top choice after stops at several other privately owned, non-profit and publicly traded entertainment/ sports properties, including the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, NASCAR/ International Speedway Corp., Roger Penske’s Motorsports Division, Professional Bull Riders, and most recently, Nitro Circus.
“We are delighted to have selected Terry from the list of dozens of qualified candidates,” said Dave Gascon, chair of USA Diving’s board of directors. “He has a proven track record of success in several positions which require similar skills, knowledge, and abilities. We have been very impressed by his diligence in working with our outgoing acting CEO Jack Perkins and staff as he gets up to speed.”
Mr. Basset brings more than 20 years of management experience in finance, marketing, operations and revenue generation. He has a strong record of success in client relationship cultivation, membership growth/retention, interpersonal communication at all levels and coordination of teams. He also has a proven record in staff management, development and leadership of up to 90-plus people.
“I am honored to have this opportunity with USA Diving,” said Mr. Basset. “This is an exciting time for the organization, and I am committed to supporting our athletes in every way possible as we look forward to Tokyo and beyond. I am excited to work with the diving community to grow the sport and promote a safe environment for our members.”
USA Diving is the national governing body of diving in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and is a member of United States Aquatic Sports Inc., the U.S. member of FINA (the International Swimming Federation).
Boyden is a global provider of executive search services, with more than 70 offices in over 40 countries. Founded in 1946, the firm specializes in high-level executive search, interim management and human capital consulting across a broad spectrum of industries.
Mr. Novick has nearly 15 years of experience in executive search, working with a range of clients worldwide. He recruits for C-level, senior executive and non-executive director roles. Mr. Novick has dual specialties in technology, including software and services (SaaS), mobile and internet technology and digital marketing, and consumer products, sports, media and entertainment. He has an extensive background as a marketing and advertising executive and has worked with major consumer brands.
Turning to Search Firms
A number of Olympic organizations have turned to executive search firms in recent months to find new leaders. Here is a sampling from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:
USA Rugby has named an internal candidate, Ross Young, as its new chief executive officer. Executive recruitment firm RSR Partners led the search and assessment efforts. Mr. Young has been operating in the role since Dan Payne stepped down from the job in July to head operations with Rugby Americas.
Chad Biagini, managing director of North America for Nolan Partners has placed former New Balance Athletics executive Rob DeMartini as the new CEO of USA Cycling in Colorado Springs, CO. “Our entire board and management team enthusiastically welcome Rob as our new CEO,” said Bob Stapleton, USA Cycling chairman of the board.
SearchWide recruited Rod Menzer as CEO of USA Archery in Colorado Springs, CO. He had held the position since Denise Parker left to join the U.S. Olympic Committee in September. “After an exhaustive search, which uncovered an exceptional set of candidates, the board of USA Archery is confident Mr. Menzer is the right leader for the organization as we look to continue our trajectory of growth and excellence,” said the group’s board chair, Julio Mazzoli.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Andrew W. Mitchell, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
