Following the recent ratification of new USA Rugby bylaws and board structure, Chair Barbara O’Brien and Director Mike McKenna elected to step away from their seats as a transitional board has been formed.
O’Brien joined the board in 2017 and was seated as Chair in April of 2018 after the early departure of predecessor Will Chang. A former Lt. Governor with the state of Colorado and dedicated rugby parent, O’Brien leaves the union from an official capacity but vows to remain supportive of the game as always.
“On behalf of the Board and USA Rugby community, I want to sincerely thank Barbara for her time and devotion over the past few years,” noted USA Rugby CEO, Ross Young, “It is no easy task to sit atop the leadership group, especially in the difficult circumstances that she did. Barbara accepted the responsibility with enthusiasm, and we wish her all the best moving forward.”
Mike McKenna was seated with USA Rugby at the beginning of 2019, taking his adoration for the game from college and club play to the boardroom. Supporting communications and commercial through the Board and Commercial Advisory Group, McKenna equally wants to ensure the union that his support will always be available and is committed to advising and assisting where he can.
Young continued, “It was a pleasure to have Mike involved with the organization even for a relatively short period. We cannot thank him enough for his mentorship and optimism through this emergent time in rugby. Very much appreciate and look forward to working with Mike more informally in the future.”
