COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The newly appointed chief executive officer of USA Swimming stepped down from the position merely nine days after the official announcement of her hiring. This development occurred when the organization discovered her involvement in a complaint lodged with the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
USA Swimming had selected Chrissi Rawak, the athletic director from Delaware, to be their new CEO on February 19. However, by February 28, the organization announced that she would not be assuming the role due to “unforeseen personal circumstances that we learned about late this week.”
A day after Rawak’s abrupt exit from the position, it was confirmed by USA Swimming that a complaint against her had been filed with the SafeSport Center, dedicated to investigating abuse allegations within Olympic sports. This complaint was brought to light post the announcement of her hiring.
USA Swimming released a statement expressing their surprise: “These matters, which we are only now coming to understand, were previously unknown and were not disclosed to USA Swimming during the rigorous vetting process of Ms. Rawak.”
The organization acknowledged that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the SafeSport Center.
USA Swimming continues its search for a successor to Tim Hinchey, who vacated the position last autumn.
Chrissi Rawak’s career includes being a member of the swim team at the University of Michigan from 1988 to 1992, followed by a five-year stint as an assistant coach.
