USA Fencing

 

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – USA Fencing is pleased to announce that Val Belmonte has been selected as the organization’s new Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer.

Belmonte, who will assume his new position in Colorado Springs on Sept. 4, joins USA Fencing with more than 20 years of experience as a sports executive in the private sector, intercollegiate athletics and with national governing bodies of the United States Olympic Committee.

"We are thrilled to welcome Val to USA Fencing," said USA Fencing President Donald K. Anthony. "Val is a visionary leader who is fully committed to the Olympic Movement and the athletes. He is an excellent relationship-builder and experienced fundraiser who clearly understands the challenges ahead and is prepared to work with the organization’s officers and Board to take USA Fencing to greater heights."

The USA Fencing Board of directors selected Belmonte, a former executive with USA Hockey and the U.S. Figure Skating Association, at the conclusion of a six-month nationwide search process.

"I'm honored to be selected as USA Fencing’s CEO and can't wait to be part of the United States Olympic Committee family once again." Belmonte said. "USA Fencing has established itself as a strong National Governing Body and a sport with tremendous growth potential. I relish the opportunity to lead USA Fencing into the next phase of success and I look forward to working with existing and new stakeholders joining me in that endeavor. Together, I know we will accomplish great things. I want to thank Donald Anthony, the Board and the members of the search committee for their confidence and support."

Belmonte has served as a principal partner and co-founder at Game 7 Seven in Chicago since 2009. Prior to that, Belmonte was a vice president at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn.; executive director of U.S. Figure Skating in Colorado Springs; director of athletics at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y.; and director of coaching education at USA Hockey in Colorado Springs. He has also served on several committees with NCAA conferences, the U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Hockey. A distinguished college hockey coach, Belmonte is a member of the University of Illinois-Chicago Athletic Hall of Fame, Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame and a USA Hockey Walter Yaciuk Award Recipient.

“Val is an accomplished executive with an outstanding sports background and a passion for the movement,” said Dave Ogrean, USA Hockey’s Executive Director and a former colleague of Belmonte’s. “USA Fencing is fortunate to have his experience and leadership.  I am delighted that he is coming back to the Olympic family.”

Belmonte is a 1973 graduate of the University of Illinois-Chicago with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. He also holds a Master of Education degree from the University of North Dakota.