Thursday, 31 Oct 2024

Recap of USA Volleyball Board Meeting

The recent USA Volleyball Board of Directors meeting took place in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, alongside the FIVB’s Volleyball Nations League men’s competition. The meeting focused on recognizing outgoing members, welcoming new directors, and discussing important matters related to the organization and its future.

New Leadership

Dr. Cecile Reynaud was named the new Board chair of USA Volleyball, succeeding Lori Okimura. This change in leadership marks an important transition for the organization.

Olympic and Paralympic Qualification

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic qualification process is in progress for all U.S. National Teams. The U.S. Women’s Sitting Team has already qualified for Tokyo, while the U.S. Men’s Sitting Team will resume their qualification journey at the 2019 ParaPan American Games in Lima, Peru. Both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s teams will also participate in the FIVB Intercontinental Olympic Qualification Tournaments in August.

Athlete Support and Initiatives

USA Volleyball continues to prioritize athlete support, both financially and through other services. The organization is committed to providing resources to all U.S. National Teams across all disciplines. Additionally, an important athlete initiative in collaboration with the World Olympians Association (WOA) aims to support the designation of ‘OLY’ for U.S. Olympians. This initiative has gained attention from Olympians worldwide and seeks to create a comprehensive database of Olympians in all sports.

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Key Accomplishments

Under the leadership of Lori Okimura, the Board achieved significant milestones over the past five years. These accomplishments include:

  • Establishing practices for transparency and open communication
  • Initiating a strategic planning process
  • Addressing employment-related issues and introducing a human resources department
  • Committing to the SafeSport initiative
  • Managing CEO search and transition process
  • Increasing international competitions in the U.S.
  • Improving athlete support and shared resources
  • Strengthening international relations with FIVB, NORCECA, and World ParaVolley
  • Enhancing governance through the establishment of new committees
  • Addressing internal conflicts of interest
  • Focusing on Board succession and new member selection

USA Volleyball CEO’s Report

CEO Jamie Davis reported positive growth in various areas and highlighted the organization’s commitment to investing in programs, athlete support, education, and region services. The upcoming major international events were also discussed, including the FIVB’s VNL Men’s Finals and the FIVB Intercontinental Olympic Qualifier.

Financial Update

George Thompson, the Board Treasurer, presented the results of the internal audit, which confirmed a clean audit for USA Volleyball. The Audit, Finance & Budget Committee will focus on areas for recommended improvements. The annual report and audit results will be accessible online.

Athlete Board Representatives

Athlete Board representatives, including Todd Rogers, Kawika Shoji, Tayyiba Haneef-Park, and Brent Rasmussen, shared successful results from recent national team competitions. Concerns were raised regarding the timing of the competitive pro league season in relation to the FIVB national team schedule. This issue has been communicated to the FIVB by top athletes, and discussions are ongoing.

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Future Appointments

The Board will soon appoint replacements for two vacant positions to maintain its quorum. These positions include the Beach Development Director and the Beach At-Large director.

Conclusion

The USA Volleyball Board of Directors meeting concluded with gratitude expressed by Lori Okimura, who recognized the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. As the organization moves forward, it looks forward to an exciting period of growth and development.

FAQs

  1. What is the role of the new Board chair, Dr. Cecile Reynaud?
    Dr. Cecile Reynaud has been appointed as the new Board chair of USA Volleyball. Her role includes leading the Board and guiding the organization’s future initiatives.

  2. How is USA Volleyball supporting its athletes?
    USA Volleyball is committed to providing support to all U.S. National Teams across various disciplines. This support includes financial assistance and other services to help athletes excel in their respective fields.

  3. What is the ‘OLY’ initiative supported by USA Volleyball?
    The ‘OLY’ initiative, in collaboration with the World Olympians Association (WOA), aims to designate Olympians in all sports. This initiative seeks to create a comprehensive database of Olympians and recognize their status as Olympians.

  4. What were the key accomplishments under Lori Okimura’s leadership?
    Under Lori Okimura’s leadership, the Board achieved significant milestones, including establishing transparent practices, initiating a strategic planning process, addressing employment-related issues, and strengthening international relations. These accomplishments have contributed to the growth and success of USA Volleyball.

  5. What concerns were raised by indoor volleyball athletes during the meeting?
    Indoor volleyball athletes expressed concerns about the length of the competitive pro league season in relation to the FIVB national team schedule. This issue impacts athletes returning to their national team programs with little or no rest period after overseas playoffs or championship competitions.

  6. What are the future appointments of the Board?
    The Board will appoint replacements for two vacant positions, including the Beach Development Director and the Beach At-Large director. These appointments are crucial to maintaining the Board’s quorum and ensuring effective governance.

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