Mary Kimball Hired as Executive Director of US Quidditch

The US Quidditch Board of Directors is excited to announce that Mary Kimball has been hired as Executive Director.

 “It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I announce the hiring of Mary Kimball as the next Executive Director of US Quidditch. After conducting a nation-wide search and several rounds of interviews with diverse and inspiring candidates, the Board of Directors unanimously decided Mary is the best possible person to lead our organization into the future,” annoucned Hank Dugie, USQ Board Chair. “Her unique blend of experience and vision gives us immense confidence that we will continue hosting high quality events while meeting and exceeding the aggressive growth goals asked for by members and set by the Board.”

USQ announced in July 2019 that current Executive Director, Sarah Woolsey, would be stepping down this fall. The hiring process was opened at that time.

As Executive Director, Kimball will be tasked with executing USQ’s strategic plan to build and maintain a dynamic organization that steadfastly upholds its core values and relentlessly pursues a vision to make every person in the U.S. aware of quidditch as a sport and ensure opportunities for them to play and engage at all levels. She will also be responsible for the overall success of the organization, including staff development, financial management, operational management, board relations, organizational development, and fund development.

“I have had the privilege of working alongside Mary for almost five years. Her passion for our sport and our mission, her dedication to improving our events and programs, and her deep understanding of our strategic plan will make her an incredible Executive Director,” said Woolsey. “She has a deep understanding of our organization’s goals as well as the ability to connect our vision and mission to our operational projects. I am grateful to be able to hand over the reins to her as Executive Director, and I’m confident that she will excel in the role. I can’t wait to see how the organization grows and continues to develop under her leadership.”

Kimball started with USQ in January 2015 as the part-time Assistant Events Manager. She was hired as the full-time Events Manager in May 2015 and promoted to the Events Director role in July 2016. In her current role as Events Director, Kimball oversees the planning and execution of all USQ events and related programs, including nationals, regional championships, event bidding and sanctioning, and the tournament director certification program. She also does graphic design and assists with marketing and public relations. 

Kimball has been working extensively with arts and sports non-profits for over 10 years. Her focuses include event planning, marketing and PR, fundraising and grant writing, program development, fiscal management, and staff and volunteer management. In addition to her time with small and grassroots nonprofits, she has significant experience collaborating with cities, park and recreation districts, school districts, and tourism bureaus. She has a B.A. in Drama with Honors in Stage Management from the University of California, Irvine (Zot, Zot!) and a certificate in Public Relations and Strategic Communications from the University of Washington. 

“I firmly believe that quidditch is changing the world of sports on a global scale. When I went to my first big quidditch event in 2015, which was World Cup 8, I was stuck by the commitment and energy of players, coaches, volunteers, fans, and the like. We have a great and special community that cares deeply about the success of what we are doing and as Executive Director, I look forward to reaching new heights with all of you,” said Kimball.

Kimball will continue in her role as the USQ Events Director through the end of the fall regional championship season. She will officially begin as Executive Director on Monday, Nov. 18. Part of Kimball’s initial projects as Executive Director include specific goals for her first 100 days, such as:

• Recruiting more year round volunteers across all departments
• Developing a fundraising plan with grants and individual donors
• Creating a plan for a national fan experience similar to what is seen at USA Sevens

Woolsey’s last day with USQ was Friday, November 22. Hiring for the Events Director position is now open.

Kimball can be reached at mary.kimball@usquidditch.org.