Formerly known as the National Gymnastics Foundation and created from the excitement generated by the success of the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the USA Gymnastics Foundation supports the sport of gymnastics while serving as the philanthropic arm to USA Gymnastics.
Led by Executive Director Debbie Hesse, the USA Gymnastics Foundation focuses on giving in three broad areas:
Introduced as the Foundation’s executive director May 29, 2024, Hesse brings a history of expansive organizational growth and impact to the USA Gymnastics Foundation. As the first executive director of the USA Swimming Foundation from 2010-2019, she led the organization through a period of expansive growth, more than tripling annual revenues. Also focused on community impact, the foundation’s flagship learn-to-swim program, “Make a Splash,” expanded during her tenure to teach nearly 2 million children to swim each year.
Hesse served as president and CEO of USA Diving from 2007-2010, where membership increased by 39 percent and the organization more than doubled sponsorship and broadcast revenues. She also was executive director of USA Synchronized Swimming from 1994-2001. The former president and CEO of Special Olympics Indiana, Hesse most recently served as assistant vice president of the Texas A&M Foundation.
Hesse is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where she competed on the varsity swim team.
The USA Gymnastics Foundation Board of Directors includes a range of lifelong contributors to the sport, accomplished “change agents”, and respected executives in a range of industries. The board will continue to grow and evolve in the next phase. Current board members include:
