USRowing Announces Leadership Transition

• Amanda Kraus to step down as CEO 

• Board intends to appoint an interim CEO and launch an immediate search for a permanent successor 

USRowing, the national governing body for the sport of rowing in the United States, announced today that Amanda Kraus has decided to step down from her position as CEO in order to pursue other professional opportunities after more than five years leading the organization through a period of significant growth and organizational strengthening. The Board of Directors intends to appoint an experienced interim CEO and has retained a specialist search firm immediately to begin the search for a permanent successor. Kraus has agreed to stay on for a period of 30 days to work alongside the Board to ensure an orderly transition of her responsibilities. 

Since becoming CEO in November 2020, Kraus has worked in close partnership with the USRowing Board of Directors, staff, National Team Athlete Council, USRowing Foundation Trustees, and the broader rowing community to both form and advance the organization across several key areas— sport growth, organizational health, member value, and U.S. National Team results. 

“Leading USRowing has been one of the great honors of my professional life,” Kraus said. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together—athletes performing on the world stage, a member community that continues to grow, and a stronger, more resilient organization. It has been a true privilege to serve, and I will always be grateful to the people who make this sport what it is. As we look ahead to LA28 and beyond, I’m confident USRowing is positioned to keep building momentum and delivering for national team athletes and members alike. And I would be remiss if I didn’t specifically call out the incredible individuals who have been my colleagues at USRowing. You made the org stronger and the work more fun along the way!”

Board Chair Kirsten Feldman praised Kraus’ leadership and lasting impact. 

“Amanda has led with clarity, courage, and deep care for the rowing community,” Feldman said. “Under her leadership, USRowing strengthened its foundation and accelerated its trajectory—supporting international success with her athlete-centered focus, expanding member value, investing in inclusion, and improving our operating performance. We are grateful for Amanda’s service and the standard she has set, and we will carry that momentum forward as we begin the search for our next CEO.” 

Throughout Kraus’ tenure, USRowing’s progress reflects both headline wins and meaningful, cumulative change. 

Organization Health and Operating Performance - stronger financial position and fundraising momentum 

USRowing’s operating performance improved significantly — while ensuring a durable operating model that sustains operations. 

In 2021, USRowing cleared significant debts and continued to improve in 2022 with successful audits, expanded fundraising and partnership support, and the launch of the USRowing Foundation—now with 49 sitting trustees. In 2023, USRowing generated a $616K operating surplus (the first since 2015, excluding PPP loan forgiveness) and raised a record $6.7M through contributions, grants, and United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) funding. Momentum continued in 2024 with a $489K surplus and record fundraising of $8.1M. While audited financials are not yet available, USRowing also generated an operating surplus in 2025. 

High Performance Gains - sustained international momentum and LA28 runway 

Through Kraus’ appointment of The McLane Family Chief High Performance Officer, Josy Verdonkschot in 2021, USRowing’s high performance athletes strengthened their competitive edge, with measurable results across senior, Para, and developmental pathways. 

At Paris 2024, the USRowing national team made a critical return to the Olympic and Paralympic podium with two Olympic medals and one Paralympic medal, with 9 of 12 U.S. boats in Paris improving their finishes over Tokyo 2020 results. 

A key part of Kraus’ leadership has been her commitment to dedicated fundraising to support the national teams. These efforts have yielded the largest philanthropic contribution in the organization’s history: a $6.5 million gift from Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss to support the U.S. National Team through the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Membership - record participation and strengthening member value 

USRowing’s membership and event footprint continued to grow, reflecting renewed participation and a stronger value proposition. This growth was catalyzed through the reinvestment of operating surpluses into membership experiences and products that better serve the community. 

In 2024, USRowing reported a record 72.6K average paid members and, while in 2023, the organization reached an all-time high of over 77K average individual members. Both of USRowing’s domestic flagship events – Youth National Championships and RowFest National Championships - have also been recognized by SportsTravel magazine as the Best New Sports Event and Best Amateur Sports Event, respectively. 

2025 saw the launch of Voices in Rowing, a platform of opportunities for community feedback, including member surveys, virtual forums per stakeholder group, leadership groups, and our annual All Member Meeting. 

Inclusion - expanded programming and resources to widen access 

Under Kraus’ oversight, USRowing advanced a more welcoming and accessible sport through programs, partnerships, and direct support. 

In 2023, USRowing launched United We Row, while supporting 1,000 U.S. Veterans and armed service members with disabilities through Freedom Rows, and gifting $145K in scholarships. 

In 2024, USRowing expanded scholarship support and launched the United We Row grant program that has awarded $180K in grants in the first two years,and has twice been awarded the NGB Choice Award by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. 

Search process and transition 

The USRowing Board of Directors has engaged a specialist search firm to immediately commence a search for a permanent replacement, and will appoint an experienced interim CEO, ensuring continuity and momentum for the organization’s priorities.  

Kraus will remain in her role through April 10, 2026 to support a smooth transition and continued progress across USRowing’s strategic initiatives. 

The Board thanks Kraus for her leadership and service and wishes her continued success in her next chapter.