The United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) is pleased to announce the addition of Molly Quinn as the association’s new Chief Executive Officer. Quinn comes to USABA with over 20 years of progressive experience in sales, sports marketing, and philanthropy.
Prodigy Search, a national executive search firm, conducted the broad-scale recruitment process for the new hire.
In her new role at USABA, Quinn will work with the board, staff, members, and other stakeholders to develop, implement, and achieve a new strategic plan to increase membership, expand programs, and develop new revenue streams among other goals. She will ensure a continued collaborative relationship with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the International Blind Sports Federation and other NGBs, and will support the men and women’s goalball teams that have qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Mark Lucas, USABA Executive Director, will report to the CEO.
Speaking on behalf of the USABA board, Dr. Michael Bina, Chair, said, “We are delighted that Molly will be joining the USABA team. We look forward to her leading the expansion of our mission to involve more children and adults in life-changing physical activity. Under the leadership of Executive Director Mark Lucas, we are grateful that USABA established the USABA Goalball Center of Excellence in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and has earned a well-respected reputation within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic movement, the International Blind Sports Federation, and national blindness organizations.”
Quinn stated, “I am honored to serve as the first USABA CEO. This role aligns with my personal passion and purpose around sports and fundraising. My career has been focused on creating life-changing experiences and partnerships that drive new revenue through events, services, and sponsorships, which I will continue at the USABA. I look forward to leading an incredible organization focused on providing opportunities for blind and visually impaired athletes to participate and compete. Through inclusion and diversity, I want to be a bigger part of empowering people to live and grow through sport; leading the USABA’s mission will allow me to do just that.”
Throughout her expansive career, Quinn has established executive-level contacts and relationships across sports agencies, brands, national governing bodies, and non-profits. Prior to joining USABA, Quinn most recently served as Vice President, Fitness and Endurance Partnerships with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
At St. Jude, she identified and partnered with key global brands to diversify revenue streams. One of her major accomplishments was re-inventing the charity’s largest fundraising event, where she elevated the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend from 16k participants raising $9.5M to 26k raising $13M. Quinn’s strong leadership resulted in St. Jude’s endurance and walk campaigns making the Top 30 Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum Fundraising List for the first time.
Quinn served on two boards – Achieve Kids Tri and Triathlon Business International.
In her personal time, Quinn is a master swimmer who competes in open water swim competitions. She is an avid cyclist and practices yoga daily. She believes in giving back to the communities in which she lives and works and mentors young professionals on leadership skills.
Matt Simpson, USABA board athlete’s representative, stated, “Speaking for all of our goalball athletes and members, I am extremely excited to welcome Molly. Her experience and abilities will be a great asset seeking opportunities for athletes of all ability levels. We are all incredibly grateful for the staff leadership that has brought USABA to where it is today and are optimistic about the future of sport opportunities for people who are blind in the United States, as well as our future successes on the international stage at Tokyo 2020 and beyond.”
About USABA - The United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA), established in 1976, is a Colorado-chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt membership organization with 842 registered members. The membership is comprised of elite and developmental athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers. The association has an operating budget and reserves of approximately $1.8 million. USABA is governed by a 10-member Board of Directors. Twenty percent of the Board members must be athletes with the remaining trustees being independent directors.
The mission of USABA is to empower Americans who are blind or visually impaired to experience life-changing opportunities in sports, recreation, and physical activities, thereby educating and inspiring the nation. www.usaba.org/
About Prodigy Search - Founded in 2007, Prodigy Search, located in the New York City suburb of Freehold, NJ, boasts over 80 years of experience in the sports and entertainment business. As a renowned nationwide leader in senior-level executive search, Prodigy Search has honed its business principles and expertise, establishing itself as the largest boutique recruiting agency in North America. Simply, Prodigy Search is Where the Best Brands Come for the Best Talent. www.prodigysearch.net/
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