Tim Yount Named Senior Vice President, Sport Development

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Tim Yount, who has helped build USA Triathlon into one of the fastest growing National Governing Bodies in the United States over the past two decades, has been named to the newly-created position of senior vice president, sport development, USAT executive director Skip Gilbert announced Thursday.

Yount, who first joined the organization in 1989, will head USAT's newest business unit. The purpose of the sport development team is to assist in the creation of new initiatives and changes to existing programs to support the overall growth of the multisport lifestyle at the national and regional level. A primary focus is the development of educational curriculum to support USAT University to all constituents. This unit is also charged with supporting USA Triathlon's efforts in private fund raising.

"After 19 years with USA Triathlon, Tim's stature and expertise for all things multisport made him the ideal choice for heading this new business unit," said Gilbert. "USAT University will be a huge priority for us moving forward. When you add our foundation and overall sport development to the mix, Tim will be up to this challenge and is the one individual that I have full confidence will drive that team to succeed."

"The opportunity to take what have been five independently operating programs and mesh them into one business unit with strong cross collaborations will not only be a challenge but will allow USAT to seize new opportunities that will expand its reach," said Yount. "I am energized by the new role and will do what I can to meet the short - and long - term goals that have been set for the organization in this new area of focus."

Since joining the USAT staff in 1989 as an intern, Yount has had the opportunity to manage and oversee nearly every major program within the organization during the past 20 years. After one year as the assistant commissioner of the National Junior College Athletic Association, Yount returned to USAT as the senior vice president, marketing and communications in 2005 and served in that capacity until this shift in responsibility.

Chuck Menke takes over Yount's role as USAT's director of marketing and communications.

After working as the championship and Team USA coordinator from 1990-92, Yount was USAT's assistant executive director from 1992-2004. He then served as the interim executive director in 2004 before Gilbert joined the organization.

While at USAT, Yount has managed or has been part of the management team for 55 world championships and served as Team USA's team leader for triathlon's Olympic debut at the 2000 Sydney Games.

Additionally, Yount was part of the team that developed several of USAT's core programs, including the junior program, elite program, drug testing program, club program and coaching certification. He also played a key role with the development of USAT's physically challenged and Clydesdale divisions at championship events, regional federations, merchandising and retailer program.

Also the editor of USAT's membership magazine from 1994-2004, Yount was instrumental in the formation of USAT's Hall of Fame and the development of the annual athletes of the year award program. He created and managed first iteration of USAT's rankings and co-managed national championship events from 1998-2004.

In addition, Yount has served as USAT's liaison to the USOC and USADA drug testing programs.

About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the national governing body for triathlon - the fastest growing sport in the world - as well as duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions 3,100 races and connects with more than 130,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches, and race directors on the grassroots level, USAT provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Championships, Pan American Games, and the Olympic Games.