Debbie Hesse Named Executive Director of USA Gymnastics Foundation

Debbie Hesse, the former executive director of the USA Swimming Foundation and president and chief executive officer of USA Diving, has been named the new executive director of the USA Gymnastics Foundation.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the USA Gymnastics Foundation during a time when gymnastics is once again in the Olympic spotlight,” Hesse said. “Providing a pathway for individuals and foundations to support gymnastics and its athletes in meaningful ways is important for the growth of the sport, from grassroots all the way to the top of the podium.”

USA Gymnastics President and Chief Executive Officer Li Li Leung made the announcement at the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth ahead of next month’s U.S. Olympic Trials in Minneapolis.

As the executive director of the USA Swimming Foundation from 2010–2019, Hesse oversaw an annual budgetary increase of 350 percent and an endowment growth of $10 million. While Hesse was president and chief executive officer of USA Diving from 2007–2010, membership increased by 39 percent.

Hesse also was executive director of USA Synchronized Swimming, now known as USA Artistic Swimming, from 1994–2001. She most recently served as assistant vice president of the Texas A&M Foundation.

“We are so fortunate to welcome Debbie as the Foundation’s executive director,” said USA Gymnastics Foundation board chair Kristin Allen. “Her deep understanding of philanthropy in the Olympic movement and her incredible track record of success make her a great fit for the Foundation and its mission.”

Formerly known as the National Gymnastics Foundation after the 1984 Olympic Summer Games in Los Angeles, the USA Gymnastics Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm to USA Gymnastics and unveiled a new logo featuring navy blue and gold lettering.

“Success looks different for every athlete and the foundation is here to help support every athlete’s journey,” Allen said. “Supporting excellence and well-being both in and out of the gym will sustain the sport on its vibrant trajectory of growth.”