USA Triathlon Foundation Announces Two New Board of Trustees Members for 2026

The USA Triathlon Foundation today announced the addition of two new Board Trustees: John Nichols and Walter McCormack. 

The USA Triathlon Foundation is proud to welcome two new members to its Board of Trustees, strengthening an accomplished group of leaders, advocates and members of the multisport community who help guide the Foundation’s long-term initiatives and charitable impact. Together, the Board supports the Foundation’s mission to transform lives through sport by providing opportunities for all to swim, bike and run, while advancing its three pillars: Encourage youth participation, Inspire pathways to access and inclusion, and Ignite Olympic and Paralympic dreams. 

“John and Walter bring tremendous leadership, perspective and relationships that will be invaluable as we continue to champion the Elevate28 Campaign and advance the mission of the USA Triathlon Foundation,” said Jason Rizzi, Chief Development Officer of the USA Triathlon Foundation. “Their support will help us build meaningful bridges with key stakeholders and expand the partnerships and resources needed to create a lasting impact. As we look toward LA28 and beyond, we are committed to doing everything we can to support our athletes and ensure they have the resources, opportunities and pathways to reach their full potential. We are incredibly grateful to have John and Walter helping us lead that effort.” 

John Nichols is an entrepreneur, business operator, and brand strategist with extensive experience building brands, products and companies. Based in the Chicago area, he is a co-founder and executive leader at Velocity, a fitness technology company that empowers endurance coaches to scale their businesses and build stronger athlete communities. Throughout his career, Nichols has held senior leadership roles in brand management, marketing, innovation, commercial strategy and operations with leading consumer companies including Miller Brewing Company, Constellation Brands and Beam Suntory. 

Nichol’s passion for triathlon began with his first race in 2005, and he has since completed nine IRONMAN races and earned certifications as both a USA Triathlon and IRONMAN coach. A longtime mentor to athletes of all abilities, John is passionate about expanding access to high-quality coaching and supporting adaptive and youth athletes. His entrepreneurial experience, strategic leadership, coaching expertise and deep commitment to the sport make him a valuable addition to the USA Triathlon Foundation Board of Trustees. 

“The future of triathlon depends on our ability to inspire and welcome the next generation,” said Nichols. “Through Elevate28, we have an extraordinary opportunity to showcase triathlon on one of the world’s biggest stages and give young athletes an exciting, aspirational glimpse of everything this sport has to offer. Just as important is the Foundation’s work to expand access and create meaningful opportunities for adaptive athletes and others who have historically faced barriers to participation. I’m honored and energized to join the Foundation’s Board and help advance its ambitious vision for the future of our sport.” 

Walter McCormack is an investor, entrepreneur, and community leader with a career spanning investment banking, technology and business leadership. He is the co-founder and co-managing member of Granite Capital Management, a New York City-based family office, where he leads investment activities and advises families and businesses on strategic capital allocation. Earlier in his career, McCormack worked in investment banking at Goldman Sachs and held senior leadership roles in the technology sector, bringing broad experience in finance, corporate strategy, and sustainable organizational growth. 

McCormack began racing triathlons in 2013 and has completed 13 IRONMAN races, approximately 30 IRONMAN 70.3 events and numerous Olympic-distance triathlons. His passion for endurance sport extends beyond competition through his philanthropic support of the USA Triathlon Foundation and commitment to Olympic, Paralympic and youth sports. He also serves on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation Board, contributing to athlete development and competitive excellence. He brings the Foundation a unique combination of financial expertise, strategic leadership, and a strong commitment to supporting athletes. 

“I’ve been involved in triathlon for nearly 15 years, and the support and community this sport provides has had a lasting impact on me,” said McCormack. “I’m honored to join the Board of Trustees for the USA Triathlon Foundation and look forward to helping create opportunities for athletes to pursue their goals and achieve their dreams.” 

The USA Triathlon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the charitable arm of USA Triathlon. The Foundation advances the sport’s mission by funding programs that expand access and create opportunity across the multisport community. Focused on three philanthropic priorities, (1) Encouraging Youth Participation (2) Inspiring Pathways to Access and Belonging (3) Igniting Olympic and Paralympic Dreams, the Foundation works to transform lives through sport by providing opportunities to swim, bike, and run. Since its founding in 2014, the Foundation has impacted thousands of lives by investing in individuals and organizations that are building a healthier, more inclusive United States through triathlon.