Former U.S.Equestrian Federation president and Olympic eventing gold medalist David O’Connor next month takes on a newly created position as the USEF’s chief of sport, while Graeme Thom becomes the director of FEI/High-Performance Sport Programs.
Both veteran eventers will start work Oct. 3 to insure a smooth transition, as Director of Sport Will Connell leaves his position Nov. 25.
David, who has been head of the FEI eventing committee, will be primarily focused on strategy, responsible for working with the executive team regarding overall international and national sport support of the USEF Strategic Plan and its initiatives. They include sport integrity, education, and equine and human safety and welfare.
Additionally, he will provide oversight of the international and national sport operations, ensuring that the sport department’s short-term and long-term strategic plans align with USEF’s priorities. The 2000 Olympic individual gold medalist also will focus on strengthening relationships with stakeholder groups such as the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the FEI and the USEF’s recognized affiliates.
“I very much look forward to the opportunities afforded by this new role within the USEF,” he said.
“The chance to perform a 365-degree view of equestrian sport from a national and a global perspective and share strategies to ensure safety, welfare, and enjoyment while growing the sport across all breeds and disciplines will be an exciting prospect.
“My passion has always been horses, and promoting equestrian sport, both within and outside of our equine community, is a very important mission, both personally and for the USEF as a whole.”
David O’Connor on his Olympic gold medal victory lap at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. (Photo © 2000 by Nancy Jaffer)
USEF CEO Bill Moroney said, “As a key member of the executive leadership team, David will provide thought leadership, innovative problem-solving, and share diverse ideas to guide strategic actions and important business decisions, drive priorities, and lead change for the organization’s success.”
Graeme served as chair of the Canadian High-Performance Committee and as a chef d’equipe for Canada and New Zealand for the past 15 years at such major championships such as the 2008 Olympics, the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and the 2021 Olympics. Will is remaining with USEF through Nov. 25 to allow for a smooth transition.
He has worked in the financial industry, rode to the CCI 3-star level in eventing and was shortlisted for the Canadian eventing team.
His responsibilities with USEF will be focused primarily on sport operations, supervising the activities of the managing directors and directors for each international discipline recognized by the FEI. He will develop and implement the Strategic High-Performance plan and programs and overall administration of all aspects of sport programming and pathways for those FEI disciplines.
His other work will involve serving as the staff liaison to the USEF International Disciplines Council and the Athlete Advisory Committee. Additionally, he will fill the role of chef de mission at the World Equestrian Games, Pan American Games, and Olympic Games and is the primary sport contact for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the FEI.
“I am very appreciative of being offered this exciting role,” said Graeme.
“I have some extremely large shoes to fill with Will’s departure. He is legendary in his role as a chef de mission and high-performance director. It was a fitting testimonial that he was able to share in the USA successes at the recent World Championships.
“I will do my best to move up the curve as quickly as possible and hope my 10-plus years as a chef d’equipe in eventing will act as a springboard for continued success in the future across all FEI disciplines. I look forward to meeting the staff and team personnel very soon and am very eager to join the USEF organization.”
Bill Moroney cited Graeme’s “extensive experience in high-performance sports operations and management, coupled with his leadership and organizational skills.”
That, he continued, “makes him a great asset to the federation. I look forward to working with Graeme to strengthen and elevate high-performance equestrian sport in the U.S. across all international disciplines as we look to the future.”
