USA Triathlon (USAT) and the USA Triathlon Foundation have appointed Jason Rizzi as the Foundation’s new chief development officer. USAT describes Rizzi as a “mission-driven fundraising executive and lifelong endurance athlete.” The organization stated that he brings over 15 years of experience leading “transformational philanthropic initiatives, cultivating high-impact donor relationships and developing fundraising strategies grounded in purpose and long-term vision.”
Rizzi, originally from Sleepy Hollow, NY, and now based in Los Angeles, CA, will reportedly play a key leadership role in securing philanthropic investment to advance USA Triathlon’s Elevate 2028 Focus Forward Strategic Plan.
“Through strategic philanthropy, the USA Triathlon Foundation is building a lasting foundation for triathlon in the U.S. by increasing access and opportunities for youth and underrepresented communities, strengthening collegiate development pipelines and supporting para-athlete engagement,” the organization wrote in a media release. “At the elite level, the Foundation drives investment in the identification, development and sustained support of Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls — fueling innovation in high-performance programming as Team USA prepares for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Rizzi previously served as senior director of development at UCLA School of Law’s Williams Institute, where he “led a comprehensive national fundraising strategy across annual, major, and principal giving, signature events, and board engagement” Prior roles include leadership positions at Just Capital, Columbia University, Hackley School and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation, where he was reportedly “instrumental in growing the Team Behind the Team initiative for the Rio 2016 and PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
“When I watched the debut of paratriathlon at the Rio 2016 Games, I had the incredible opportunity to bring donors along to witness our Team USA women sweep the podium — a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in our athletes. Today, as we prepare for a once-in-a-generation opportunity with a home Games at LA28, there is an urgent need to build a strong, sustainable pipeline of philanthropic support,” Rizzi offered. “Funding is critical, not just for our Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, but for the next generation of youth, collegiate and age group athletes discovering the sport. I’m honored to join USA Triathlon at this pivotal moment to help ensure that cost is never a barrier to excellence or access, and that we deliver a movement as inclusive and high-performing as the athletes who represent it. I’m excited to get to work.”
In addition to his fundraising expertise, Rizzi competed in over 100 triathlons in the past two decades, including Ironman-distance races.
“As we continue to build momentum toward LA28 and beyond, we are thrilled to welcome Jason Rizzi to the USA Triathlon Foundation,” said Victoria Brumfield, USA Triathlon CEO. “Jason is not only a strategic, accomplished fundraising leader with a proven track record of securing transformational gifts, but also a passionate triathlete who deeply understands the power and potential of our sport. His unique combination of personal connection and professional expertise will be critical as we work to expand the Foundation’s reach and impact in support of our athletes, programs, and multisport community.”
Images courtesy USA Triathlon
