USA Diving, CEO Parting Ways

Indianapolis-based USA Diving Inc. has announced Chief Executive Officer Lee Johnson is leaving after less than a year-and-a-half. The board of directors cites a "rapidly-changing environment of sports in the Olympic movement (that) has necessitated a change in the financial strategy of the organization."

Chair Michele Mitchell says "we want to thank Lee for his service to the organization in an extremely challenging time of transition.  We wish him the utmost success in his future ventures." Johnson’s last day will be October 5. He was hired in May of 2017, succeeding Linda Paul, who retired after working for the organization for 16 years.

Johnson said "I would like to thank the USA Diving athletes, coaches, Board of Directors, parents and staff for the opportunity to serve this organization, and I am confident there will be success in Tokyo, Paris, L.A. and beyond." He came to USA Diving from USA Gymnastics, also based in Indianapolis, and previously held positions with Sprint, Red Bull, the University of Kansas and the University of Texas at San Antonio.

The board says it will be announcing leadership plans in the coming weeks.