USRowing Foundation Welcomes Four New Trustees

USRowing is pleased to announce the appointment of four new trustees to the USRowing Foundation: Thomas Darling, Michael George, Lauren Groff, and Paisley Kelling. Their experience spans elite sport, finance, philanthropy, business, literature, and community leadership, strengthening the Foundation's ability to support USRowing and expand opportunities across the sport. 

Together, Darling, George, Groff and Kelling bring deep connections to rowing and a shared commitment to supporting athletes, developing the sport and advancing the long-term sustainability of USRowing. 

 “We are thrilled to welcome Tom, Michael, Lauren and Paisley to the USRowing Foundation,” said Bill McNabb, Chair of the USRowing Foundation. “Each brings a genuine connection to rowing, an impressive range of experience and, most importantly, a deep commitment to our athletes and the future of the sport. As we build toward LA28 and beyond, their leadership will help us broaden support for USRowing and ensure our athletes have the resources they need to succeed.” 

Thomas Darling 

Thomas Darling is a three-time U.S. Olympian selected to the 1980, 1984, and 1988 Olympic teams. He won a silver medal in the men's eight at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Darling also served as a crew member aboard Stars & Stripes, helping Dennis Conner reclaim the America's Cup in 1987. 

Darling has remained committed to expanding access to rowing throughout his career. He served as Director of Para rowing for USRowing and has been a board member and adviser to the Watuppa Rowing Center, where he has championed opportunities for youth, veterans, and adaptive athletes. 

Professionally, Darling serves as a trustee of Agawam Trust, specializing in family business dynamics, communications, and fiduciary relationships. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Syracuse University and a master's degree in physical education from Boston University. Darling resides in Reno, Nevada. 

Michael George 

Michael George is the founder of Raspail Partners, a capital advisory firm he established in 2024. He previously served as president of Keel Harbour Capital and, from 2009 to 2018, as a managing director at Fortress Investment Group, where he oversaw many of the firm's largest limited partner relationships. 

Earlier in his career, George spent 10 years at Deutsche Bank as a Managing Director in the Institutional Client Group. He began his career at Lehman Brothers in 1986 and ultimately co-led the firm's Mortgage-Backed Securities Trading area. 

 George graduated from St. Catharine's College, Cambridge University with an undergraduate degree in Engineering Science and a postgraduate diploma in Computer Science. While at Cambridge, George represented the University at Rugby Football, playing against Oxford University twice, and is a member of the prestigious Hawks’ Club. His son, Gabriel George, rowed for Stanford University and represented the United States at the 2026 World Rowing Under 23 Championships, earning a silver medal. George lives in Coral Gables, Florida with his wife Elaine.

Lauren Groff 

Lauren Groff is an Amherst College graduate with deep ties to rowing. Groff will serve as a USRowing Foundation trustee, with her husband Clay Kallman working alongside her in support of the Foundation. 

Groff is an acclaimed novelist and short-story writer whose works include “Fates and Furies,” “Matrix,” “The Vaster Wilds,” and “Florida.” A three-time National Book Award finalist, she was named to Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in 2024. She is also co-owner of The Lynx, an independent bookstore in Gainesville, Florida. Kallman has built a career in real estate management and development. 

The couple met through rowing at Amherst, where Groff rowed on the women’s crew and Kallman captained the men’s team. Their son, Beckett Kallman, earned a silver medal in the men’s eight at the 2026 World Rowing Under 19 Championships and is continuing his rowing career at the University of Pennsylvania. Their younger son, Heath, is a high school rower.  The family lives in Gainesville, Florida. 

Paisley Kelling 

 Paisley Kelling is a philanthropist and longtime supporter of rowing and community-based organizations. 

Kelling previously served as president of the board of the Pelham Community Rowing Association in New York, supporting the organization’s mission to develop young athletes both on and off the water. Rowing is also a longstanding family passion. Kelling competed as a masters rower for more than a decade; her daughter, Julia, rowed at Trinity College and captained the women’s rowing team, while her son, Christian, rowed at Princeton University. 

Kelling’s career spans more than 15 years in fashion retail, including serving as Vice President at Bergdorf Goodman, followed by 17 years as a small business owner in Bronxville, New York. Since selling her company in 2019, she has focused her time on community outreach and philanthropy. Kelling resides in New York City. 

A full list of USRowing Foundation trustees can be found here. 

About the USRowing Foundation 

The USRowing Foundation is the official fundraising arm of the United States Rowing Association (USRowing) and the U.S. national team. Trustees of the USRowing Foundation use their personal and professional contacts to grow USRowing's fundraising pipeline, providing opportunities for individuals, foundations and corporations to support USRowing initiatives and priorities through individual philanthropy and corporate partnerships. 

For additional information about the USRowing Foundation, contact tracy.brown@usrowing.org.