LAFAYETTE, CO - USA Rugby Congress voted in favor of Board of Directors nominee, Mike McKenna, officially starting the 45-day transitional period with the leadership group.
McKenna resides in Weybridge, Vermont and is the Founder and Managing Partner of McKenna & Partners, LLC, a strategic communications consultancy. Prior to his current role, McKenna was CEO and Chief Creative Officer with the corporate advertising agency, Marsteller, part of the global PR firm Burson Marsteller. With extensive experience in creative and brand marketing, McKenna's inclusion with USA Rugby leadership will prove highly influential as rugby looks to grow its visibility in the American sporting landscape. McKenna will remain a transitional member on the Board over the next 45 days, at which point he will become a fully seated member pending second vote of ratification.
"As a former college and club player, I look forward to combining my passion for the sport and professional experience to help further strengthen our great game both here in the United States and within the international Rugby community,' McKenna said.
McKenna started playing rugby in 1969 with the Beacon Hill club in his native Boston. After playing for Wesleyan University in Connecticut, he founded the Old Methodist RFC, Wesleyan's alumni side, and later played old boys for the New York Athletic Club. After moving to Vermont he has served as an Advisor to the Middlebury College Rugby Club, men's two-time D-2 national champions in 2007-8 and finalist in 2009.
About USA Rugby
Established in 1975, USA Rugby is the governing body for the sport of rugby in America and a Full Sport Member of the United States Olympic Committee. Currently headquartered in Lafayette, Colorado, USA Rugby is charged with developing the game on all levels and has more than 120,000 active members across the youth, High School, College and Senior club level. USA Rugby oversees four national teams, multiple collegiate and High School All-American sides, and an emerging Olympic development pathway for elite athletes. It also hosts more than 30 national playoff and championship events each year as a service to its members. In 2018, USA Rugby welcomed the world for Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco, the first-ever Rugby World Cup hosted on American soil. With over 100,000 in attendance, the event broke various American records and has acted as a launching point for the game's future growth. Visit www.usa.rugby for more information.
USA RUGBY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Barbara O'Brien - Chair
Paul Santinelli - Vice Chair
Julie Lau - Director
Jim Brown - Director
Mike McKenna - Transitional Director
Jeremiah Johnson - USA Rugby Congress Representative
Agustín Pichot - World Rugby Representative
Phaidra Knight - International Athlete
Todd Clever - International Athlete
