Chrissi Rawak’s Journey: From University of Delaware to USA Swimming’s New CEO

USA Swimming, the national governing body for competitive swimming in the United States, has announced a significant leadership change by appointing Chrissi Rawak as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Chrissi Rawak, who has extensive experience in collegiate athletics and a deep personal connection to swimming, will take over the position with the responsibility of leading the organization into the future, particularly as it prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Her appointment comes after an extensive search process aimed at finding a leader who understands both the competitive and administrative aspects of the sport. With her history as an athlete, coach, and athletic administrator, Rawak is well-equipped to guide USA Swimming during this crucial period.

Chrissi Rawak’s Swimming Roots and Athletic Career

Chrissi Rawak ties to swimming run deep. She first made a name for herself in the sport as a standout athlete at Germantown Academy in Pennsylvania, where she was part of the 1987 National Championship-winning high school team. From there, she continued her swimming career at the University of Michigan, where she competed from 1988 to 1992, contributing to four consecutive Big Ten Championship victories. Her dedication and talent helped shape her into a well-rounded athlete with a strong competitive spirit.

After concluding her collegiate swimming career, Chrissi Rawak transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant women’s swimming coach at Michigan from 1992 to 1997. During her tenure, Michigan’s women’s swimming team became a powerhouse, securing five consecutive Big Ten titles and consistently placing in the top 15 at the NCAA Championships. Under her guidance, Michigan achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first program outside of Stanford, Texas, and Florida to break into the top three at the NCAA Championships.

A Leader in Athletic Administration

Chrissi Rawak influence in the world of sports extended far beyond coaching. She established herself as a highly respected athletic administrator, most notably serving as the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Services at the University of Delaware since 2016. Her leadership at Delaware was groundbreaking—she was the first woman to hold the position, and under her direction, the university’s athletic program saw substantial growth and success.

During her tenure, Chrissi Rawak oversaw 21 Division I sports programs and more than 600 student-athletes. Her leadership led to notable achievements, including an NCAA Division I field hockey championship and several conference titles in other sports. Beyond athletic success, she placed a strong emphasis on academics, ensuring that student-athletes thrived in the classroom. Her efforts paid off, as Blue Hen student-athletes maintained a remarkable cumulative grade-point average of 3.404 in the fall semester—marking the 22nd consecutive semester with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Additionally, Chrissi Rawak spearheaded the University of Delaware’s first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign for athletics, raising $38 million in just 20 months. This funding played a pivotal role in the construction of the Whitney Athletic Center, a 90,000-square-foot facility dedicated to enhancing the overall student-athlete experience. The project was widely regarded as a game-changer for the university’s athletic programs, providing state-of-the-art training, academic, and medical support services.

The Journey to USA Swimming Leadership

Chrissi Rawak appointment as CEO comes at a crucial time for USA Swimming. As the organization navigates an evolving sports landscape and prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games, strong leadership is essential. USA Swimming Board Chair Chris Brearton emphasized Rawak’s impressive credentials and her potential to make a significant impact.

“Chrissi Rawak brings a proven track record of leading organizations and building winning teams,” Brearton said. “She has firsthand experience in our sport—not just as a successful athlete but also as a coach and administrator. Her vision will help write the next chapter of American swimming excellence.”

In her new role, Chrissi Rawak will oversee all aspects of USA Swimming, from grassroots development to elite international competition. Her responsibilities will include supporting athletes and coaches, expanding participation in the sport, and ensuring that USA Swimming continues to dominate on the global stage.

Rawak’s Vision for USA Swimming

Upon accepting the role, Chrissi Rawak expressed enthusiasm and gratitude, emphasizing her commitment to working collaboratively with the swimming community.

“I’m grateful to the USA Swimming Board for this incredible opportunity and the trust they’ve placed in me,” Chrissi Rawak said. “I can’t wait to collaborate with our coaches, athletes, staff, alumni, volunteers, sponsors, and fans to strengthen the USA’s position as the world’s top swimming nation. We will focus on growing our sport across the country, continuing to prioritize athlete safety and education, and preparing for a historic performance at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.”

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One of Chrissi Rawak top priorities will be expanding access to the sport. She aims to build upon USA Swimming’s initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, making swimming accessible to a broader range of athletes from different backgrounds. Encouraging participation at all levels—from youth programs to elite training facilities—will be central to her strategy.

Another key focus will be athlete safety. USA Swimming has faced challenges in the past regarding athlete protection policies, and Rawak is determined to uphold the highest standards in ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all swimmers.

The Extensive Search Process

Rawak’s selection was the result of an exhaustive and highly competitive search process. NU Advisory Partners, led by former Florida State swimmer Nada Usina, conducted the executive search, with input from a Board-appointed CEO Search Task Force. This task force included representatives from various stakeholder groups, such as the Athletes’ Advisory Council, Coach Advisory Council, Zone Directors’ Council, USA Swimming Foundation, and the National Team Steering Committee.

The search committee held multiple listening sessions and town halls to gather insights from athletes, coaches, and other key stakeholders. This approach ensured that the next CEO would be someone who not only understood the sport but also aligned with the long-term vision of USA Swimming.

Challenges and Expectations Moving Forward

Rawak steps into the role at a time when USA Swimming is facing both opportunities and challenges. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, expectations for the U.S. swimming team remain high. The United States has traditionally been a dominant force in Olympic swimming, and Rawak’s leadership will be instrumental in maintaining that legacy.

One immediate challenge will be filling the vacant National Team Managing Director position, which has remained open since September. This role is critical in overseeing the development and performance of top-tier American swimmers as they prepare for major international competitions.

Beyond the Olympics, Rawak will also need to focus on growing the sport at the grassroots level. Ensuring that young swimmers have access to training facilities, quality coaching, and development programs will be essential in sustaining the U.S. dominance in the pool.

A New Era for USA Swimming

Chrissi Rawak’s appointment marks a new era for USA Swimming. Her background as an elite swimmer, coach, and administrator uniquely positions her to lead the organization with a well-rounded perspective. Her leadership philosophy, centered around teamwork, innovation, and athlete well-being, aligns with the core values of USA Swimming.

As she takes the reins, the swimming community eagerly anticipates the positive impact she will bring. With her proven leadership skills and passion for the sport, Rawak is expected to elevate USA Swimming to even greater heights, ensuring continued success for American swimmers on both the national and international stage.

With just a few years until the 2028 Olympics, all eyes will be on Rawak and USA Swimming as they embark on this exciting new chapter.