US Youth Soccer announces Skip Gilbert as new CEO

FRISCO, Texas — US Youth Soccer has announced the selection of Mr. Skip Gilbert by the US Youth Soccer Board of Directors as the new Chief Executive Officer of US Youth Soccer (USYS).

An experienced executive, Mr. Gilbert has served in leadership roles with a number of sports organizations over the course of his career, most recently with the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) as its Managing Director of Operations, Marketing, and Development. Within this capacity, Mr. Gilbert oversaw USADA’s Olympic Testing and Client Services operations, while also supporting marketing and development efforts for the organization’s TrueSport division. Skip has extensive executive management experience from his involvement with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, the United States Tennis Association, USA Triathlon, USA Swimming, US Soccer, and as Chairman of the National Governing Bodies Council (NGBC).

“Skip brings decades of experience to US Youth Soccer, including invaluable insights into the sports business, governance and operational ecosystem.  His experience and passion for sport will help ensure that US Youth Soccer meets its goal of making soccer the preeminent youth sport in America,” said US Youth Soccer Board Chairman Dr. Pete Zopfi. “We’re confident that Skip’s leadership and diverse skill set will enhance USYS capabilities across the board while continuing to deliver benefit to all our member stakeholders.”

Mr. Gilbert’s passion for sport extends beyond his professional experience, as Gilbert played soccer for the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the NASL, US Olympic Development Team, and trained with Sheffield United and other clubs in Holland, and Hong Kong. He is a licensed soccer coach and member of the University of Vermont and the Lawrenceville School Athletic Hall of Fame.

“It is an honor and a privilege to join the incredible team at US Youth Soccer to help support the regional and state associations that work tirelessly to enhance the soccer experience of our players, coaches, parents and other critical stakeholders,” said Mr. Gilbert. “I wish to thank Dr. Pete Zopfi, the Search Committee and the entire US Youth Soccer Board of Directors for their trust and confidence in my abilities to help guide the organization into and through its next exciting chapter.”

Gilbert currently resides in Connecticut with his wife Jenifer and three children. He will join the USYS team in Frisco, Texas, beginning January 10, 2020.