The USA Triathlon Foundation has announced Robert McKeown and Brenda Smith as the newest members of its Board of Trustees. In addition, Gabriela Gallegos has been added to the Board of Trustees as the Foundation’s liaison to the USA Triathlon Board of Directors.
Robert McKeown (Long Island, N.Y.) is a lifelong educator in the public-school system on Long Island. He is also the President and CEO of South Shore TRI Coach, a triathlon coaching business. He is a passionate multisport athlete, multi-time IRONMAN finisher and triathlon coach.
Over the last 10-plus years, McKeown has raised more than US$1.5 million to support a variety of charitable initiatives, including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Children’s Tumor Foundation, the IRONMAN Foundation and Hurricane Sandy relief. He is an expert in fundraising initiatives and community giveback through the philanthropy and CRS programs of South Shore TRI Coach.
Brenda Smith (Lake Placid, N.Y.) has been a practicing attorney since 1997, and brings valuable expertise in human resources, sports law and collegiate Title IX compliance. In addition, she has more than 20 years of experience in sexual harassment awareness and prevention training. Smith is a long-time endurance athlete, ultra-marathoner and 14-time IRONMAN finisher. ‘She is passionate about the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, as well as giving back through triathlon.’
“The USA Triathlon Foundation is proud to welcome Mr McKeown and Ms Smith to its Board of Trustees,” said John Cassimatis, President of the USA Triathlon Foundation Board of Trustees. “Both of these volunteer leaders bring a wealth of professional expertise to the table in various areas.
“Just as importantly, their love for multisport and its community will go a long way toward advancing the Foundation’s mission — which is to support and promote triathlon and to open pathways to triathlon for all, especially those for whom it might not otherwise be possible.”
Gabriela Gallegos (El Paso, Texas), the South Central Region representative on the USA Triathlon Board of Directors, will serve as the Foundation’s liaison to the USA Triathlon board. Gallegos is a USA Triathlon-certified race director and youth race director, attorney and entrepreneur.
She is the president, founder and race director of Race El Paso, which puts on the popular women’s-only Mighty Mujer Triathlon. She is focused on expanding opportunities in triathlon for women and racial and ethnic minorities, and she has served on USA Triathlon’s Strategic Planning Committee since 2017.
