INDIANAPOLIS - USRowing has hired Glenn Merry as its Executive Director, the organization announced on Monday.
Merry, who was hired as the organization's National Team Programs Director in August of 2002, had been serving as the interim executive director since January of this year. In his capacity as programs director, Merry was in charge of the national team side of the organization including team selection, logistics, funding and the organization's relationship with the United States Olympic Committee, among other items.
"Today, USRowing is in a unique position to impact our sport and move rowing forward," Merry said. "I look forward to taking on the responsibility for making that happen. There are changes that need to be made - changes in how we market the sport, how we draw in financial support for our teams and our clubs, and how we service our membership. The task is difficult, but my intent is to attack these areas with a hands-on approach. I look forward to working with the rowing community to help build our sport and the organization."
Prior to rejoining USRowing full-time in 2002, Merry was the Assistant Director at the Indiana University Alumni Association and served as USRowing's Midwest Field Service Coordinator on a part-time basis for two years. From 1994 to 1997, Merry worked at USRowing in a variety of capacities including Events Coordinator and Logistics Coordinator, where he served as the national team leader at several world championships.
Merry is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication. Merry rowed at SUNY-Albany from 1987-90 and coached rowing at Washington College from 1990-94. Merry lives in Indianapolis with his wife Teri and their two dogs.