vailsymposium

Sarah Hirshland serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). Her strategic vision and unwavering commitment to athlete welfare have redefined the organization, elevating it to new heights of excellence and inclusivity.

Under Hirshland’s leadership, the USOPC has undergone a significant transformation, fostering a culture of accountability, transparency and acceptance. Acknowledging the need for change, she has reshaped the organization’s approach to athlete support, governance, and financial sustainability. Her commitment to parity is exemplified by her decision to incorporate “Paralympic” into the organization’s name, highlighting the equal importance of both the Olympic and Paralympic movements.

A cornerstone of Hirshland’s tenure has been her focus on athlete well-being. She has championed robust athlete protection measures, ensuring a safe and empowering environment for all competitors. Her advocacy for athlete rights and efforts to amplify their voices have driven positive change not only within the USOPC but also in the global Olympic and Paralympic landscape. During her leadership, the USOPC has increased mental health support services, now engaging 15 dedicated psychiatric services staff and offering access to over 300 approved providers nationwide, along with a 24/7 hotline for athletes in need. She has also expanded health insurance benefits to cover athletes during and after pregnancy, demonstrating a commitment to holistic athlete care.

Hirshland has made history as the first female CEO to lead three Team USA Olympic and Paralympic delegations to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, successfully navigating unprecedented challenges, including the global pandemic. Through her guidance, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation (USOPF) has also launched its most ambitious fundraising campaign yet, aiming to raise $500 million to support Team USA in achieving unprecedented success at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In addition to her role at the USOPC, Hirshland is dedicated to advancing the global sports community. She serves as the 3rd Vice President of Panam Sports and is an active member of the IOC Program Commission. She also serves on the LA28 Executive Board. Notably, Sarah was an integral part of the team who navigated and developed the strategy that ultimately led to the United States winning the 2034 Winter Games in Salt Lake-Utah, which will serve as the capstone to an incredible decade of sport in the United States.

Before joining the USOPC, Hirshland served as the Chief Commercial Officer for the United States Golf Association (USGA), the National Governing Body for golf, where she demonstrated exceptional expertise in managing commercial, media and content rights. Her successful negotiation of broadcast agreements with major networks and corporate sponsors surrounding prestigious golf tournaments such as the U.S. Open and the U.S. Women’s Open significantly strengthened the organization’s financial standing.

Hirshland holds a degree from Duke University and resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband, Keith, and their two dogs, Mac and Maggie.