Did you know that drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children, yet millions lack access to basic swim lessons? It's a startling reality that the USA Swimming Foundation is determined to change. Today, the organization—the philanthropic powerhouse behind USA Swimming and U.S. Masters Swimming—announced a major leadership shift poised to amplify its impact. Anne Berry, a lifelong swimmer and seasoned leader in corporate and government relations, has been elected as the new Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. But here's where it gets exciting: Berry isn’t just stepping into this role; she’s bringing over 20 years of experience and a passion for water safety and swim accessibility that’s hard to match. Her journey spans from competitive athlete to Masters swimmer, coach, and advocate, making her uniquely equipped to lead the Foundation’s mission to teach children nationwide how to swim.
Berry’s term begins on January 1, 2026, and runs through December 31, 2029, succeeding David Shackley, whose tenure since 2021 strengthened donor relations and expanded support for athletes and communities. Shackley’s contributions have been instrumental, and the Foundation expresses deep gratitude for his service. But this transition isn’t just about leadership—it’s about momentum. As Kevin Ring, President and CEO of USA Swimming and the USA Swimming Foundation, puts it, ‘Anne’s experience and commitment will strengthen the Foundation during a pivotal time for our organization.’
And this is the part most people miss: the Foundation isn’t just reshuffling its leadership; it’s expanding its reach with four exceptional new board members, each bringing a unique blend of professional expertise and personal ties to swimming. Meet the newcomers:
- Deirdre Clute, a Harvard swimming team captain turned Managing Director at Forum Ventures, whose fundraising prowess and alumni networks are set to open new doors.
- Brendan Donohue, a sports executive and former NBA 2K League Board Chair, whose philanthropic work with Special Olympics aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s mission.
- Ethan Hallowell, a Stanford swimmer and Vice President at RedBird Capital Partners, whose investments in sports and philanthropy tackle issues like poverty and conservation.
- Brian Rodde, a Stanford NCAA champion and Managing Partner at Makena Capital, whose continued involvement in Masters Swimming and aquatics boards ensures a deep understanding of the sport’s needs.
Six incumbent members—Alex Blavatnik, John Enquist, Sr., Kyle Jackson, Cullen Jones (OLY), Scott Rosman, and David Shackley—were re-elected, ensuring continuity and institutional knowledge. Together, this diverse group will steer the Foundation’s philanthropic strategy, focusing on initiatives like the Learn to Swim Grant Program, National Team support, and water safety campaigns.
But here’s the controversial question: Can swimming truly be made accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location? Berry believes so, stating, ‘I have always believed that swimming is for everyone, and I look forward to bringing more people to our amazing sport.’ Yet, with disparities in access to pools and lessons persisting, especially in underserved communities, this goal remains a challenge. What do you think? Is universal swim access achievable, or is it an idealistic dream? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s dive into this debate together.
For more information about the USA Swimming Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.usaswimming.org/foundation.
