Foundational Impact: The John Deary Story
A Champion for the Sport: John Deary’s Commitment to Giving Back
Donning a new vision and mission statement, the USA Gymnastics Foundation reintroduced itself in 2024 with John Deary at the helm as chairman of the Board of Directors. A business owner and longtime contributor to the sport and gymnastics community, Deary saw the Foundation as a natural next step in his role within the sport.
“When asked to chair the new board, I was honored to say yes,” he said. “I see it as the best way to give back to the sport that has been so good to [both] my career and [myself].”
Giving back and being a part of the community is a big part of Deary’s philosophy. He has served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors since 2022, when it was known at the National Gymnastics Foundation, was President of the USA Gymnastics Suppliers Association for 4 years, and in 1993 established Deary’s Gymnastics Supply, where he is founder and CEO.
Like many in the sport, Deary began his journey as a gymnast, taking up the sport as a teenager at Putnam High School and keeping with it throughout his college career at Southern Connecticut State University. From gymnast to business owner and then Foundation chair, Deary is certain that the USA Gymnastics Foundation can help grow the sport and all facets of it, just as the sport has positively impacted so many parts of his own life.
“I see great potential in helping those who may never have the opportunity to do a foundational sport like gymnastics,” Deary said. “I would like to see many more people have a positive life changing moment like I did as a young man.”
His vision for the USA Gymnastics Foundation is bright and far-reaching. “The future of the Foundation is rooted in our commitment to athletes and coaches of all disciplines. We are investing in their dreams, resilience, and determination. With the right support, gymnastics becomes more than a sport—it becomes a way to uplift people and bring communities together,” said Deary. “I see the future of a successful Foundation able to do all of the things I mentioned and much more.”
“I believe the Foundation [to be} on a spiral of success leading up to [the] 2028 Olympics in [Los Angeles] and well beyond,” concluded Deary. And with the support of the Board and the entire gymnastics community behind him, Deary has the great potential to make it happen.
