There’s been a changing of the guard inside USA Weightlifting (USAW). In March of 2022, the organization announced that longtime Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Phil Andrews would depart the organization on July 15.
The governing body for the sport of weightlifting in the States has operated without an official replacement since July. But on Monday, Aug. 22, 2022, the USAW Board of Directors announced that Matt Sicchio will take up the mantle of CEO starting in October.
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“[Sicchio’s] experience and professionalism will help level up USAW to enter a new era of growth, athlete-centered focus, and compliance,” says USAW President and Board Chair Paula Aranda. “As we continue to be at the forefront of supporting anti-doping efforts, we believe that Matt will be an exemplary leader.”
About Matt Sicchio
According to USAW, Sicchio will enter the arena of American weightlifting armed with over a decade of leadership and risk management experience.
A lawyer by trade, Sicchio has also worked in the upper ranks of both USA Football and the U.S. Soccer Foundation. He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), a position he’s occupied since early 2020.
Speaking on his move to the top of the American weightlifting governance, Sicchio notes that he is “humbled and excited” by the opportunity:
“I am bullish on the future of weightlifting, from the grassroots to the elite level, and look forward to bringing my commitment to clean sport and passion for building high-performance teams to advance the sport at all levels.”
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Since Andrews’ resignation from USAW in July, Director of Finance & Compliance Andrea Andrews has served as interim CEO within the organization. Sicchio will succeed Andrews on Oct. 10, 2022, and remain based in Colorado Springs, CO.
USAW recently announced on social media that Colorado Springs will also play host to their 2023 National Championships Week.
A Bright Future for American Weightlifting
Following an “extensive and global” search to replace Andrews — under whom the States earned 23 medals at World Championship events and three across the last two Olympic Games — USAW is confident that Sicchio is the right person for the job.
Sicchio’s background in risk management and sports administration, coupled with a passion for advancing drug-free athletics, make him a prime candidate.
After his appointment, the first domestic event Sicchio will oversee is the North American Open Finals, which will take place from Dec. 1-4, 2022, in Denver, CO. Only a day later, Team USA weightlifters will compete in Bogotá, Colombia, at the International Weightlifting Federation‘s World Weightlifting Championships, which run from Dec. 5 to 16, 2022.
Editor’s Note: BarBend is the Official Media Partner of USA Weightlifting. The two organizations maintain editorial independence unless otherwise noted on specific content projects.
Featured Image courtesy of USA Weightlifting
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