Benita Fitzgerald Mosley Named CEO of the U.S. Center for SafeSport

The U.S. Center for SafeSport has named Olympian Benita Fitzgerald Mosley as CEO, effective February 1. She succeeds April Holmes, who took over as interim CEO following the departure of Ju’Riese Colon.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is the nation’s only independent organization aimed at ending sexual, physical and emotional abuse in U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sport. The center was created in response to high-profile cases of sexual abuse of minor athletes within Olympic and Paralympic movement. Among other responsibilities, the center sets safety policies, and receives, investigates and resolves complaints of abuse and misconduct. It also serves as an educational resource for sports organizations at all levels, from recreational sports organizations to professional leagues.

“It is an honor to be selected as the center’s CEO, and it is my goal to shepherd this organization forward with a focus on service to athletes, operational excellence, and culture change in sport,” Fitzgerald Mosley said. “As an athlete, I felt safe, supported and strengthened in my career, and I am committed to helping all athletes within the Olympic and Paralympic movement feel that same sense of support. While the center has moved the needle on athlete safety nationally, my vision is to ensure we are building an organization that athletes can believe in, the staff can be proud of, and the public can trust and respect.”

During her time as interim CEO, Holmes led the organization in key initiatives focused athlete engagement, including a comprehensive stakeholder engagement campaign involving multiple listening sessions with athletes, survivors and national governing bodies. She was also helped elevate the center’s profile in the international sport safeguarding space, which will be showcased at two upcoming symposia at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“Serving as interim CEO over the past eight months has been a privilege, and I look forward to passing the baton to a fellow athlete with the experience and commitment to lead this organization into its next chapter,” said Holmes, who is a Paralympic gold medalist medalist.

 “Benita brings a wealth of experience as both an athlete and a leader in nonprofit, sports, and business sectors,” said Chicka Elloy, vice chair of the board and head of the search committee. “She is well-positioned to advance the Center’s mission as the organization completes its first nine years of operation and prepares for the next era.”