US Sailing, the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing in the United States, has advanced Henry Brauer (above), who had been on the Board of Directors as Vice President, to be the new President of the organization. Rich Jepsen had completed his three-year term as President and Chair of the Board (2021-2024).
“It was the honor of my life to serve the Association in this capacity,” noted Jepsen. “While it was a bit tougher than I had envisioned, I felt lucky to serve in the trenches with incredibly smart people—committee, board, and staff—solving existential challenges for the good of all sailors.”
Other updates include Laura Grondin as Vice President, Matt Gallagher as secretary, alongside two members-at-large, Mike Van Dyke and Bob Kottler. Changes to the By-Laws extended three-year positions to now four years. Positions begin and end in the fall season.
Board Members still completing their terms are John Schoendorf (2021-2025), Pamela Healy (2022-2026), Stan Honey (2022-2026), Sarah Lihan (2021-2025), Marie Rogers (2022-2026), and Sheila Tolle (2022-2026).
Biographies provided by US Sailing:
Henry Brauer – Selected as President (2024-2028, four-year term) – Henry Brauer is a seasoned private equity professional and a passionate sailor with extensive leadership experience. As the Co-Founder and Principal of Colony Realty Partners, he managed asset growth to over $4.5 billion, served on the Executive and Investment Committees, and led the Marketing function. In sailing, Brauer has held numerous prestigious positions, including Commodore of the Eastern Yacht Club and Race Committee Chair of the Northeast Harbor Fleet. A founding member of the J/70 Class Association, he has competed at the highest levels, securing top finishes in global championships. Brauer also serves on the Board of Directors at The Taft School and the Board of Advisors for the Peabody Essex Museum.
Laura Grondin – Selected as Vice President (2024 -2025, one-year term) – Laura Grondin is a distinguished business leader and accomplished sailor. As the Owner and CEO of V Industries, Bingham & Taylor, and Hartford Technologies since 1999, she has guided her companies with strategic insight and industry expertise. Grondin is an active member of Vistage, an international organization for CEOs, and brings her leadership skills to the sailing community as Chair of the International Melges 24 Class Association. Her volunteer leadership spans numerous roles, including serving on the Board of Trustees at Bay Path University and as past chair of several influential organizations. A world-class sailor, Grondin has earned top finishes at major events, including 3rd place at the 2023 and 2021 J/70 Worlds and multiple nominations for the prestigious Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year award.
Matt Gallagher – Elected Director, Secretary position (2024-2028, four-year term) – Currently serving on the US Sailing board since his election in 2023, Gallagher brings extensive experience in regatta management, big boat sailing, and youth sailing. A lawyer by profession, he has held various volunteer roles within the organization, including Offshore Chair and Regatta Chair for the ORC East Coast Championships and Worlds 2024. His unique journey from cruiser to racer and race organizer of prestigious offshore races enriches his perspective on the sport, making him a valuable contributor to the board.
Mike Van Dyke – Elected Director, Member at Large position (2024-2028, four-year term) – Van Dyke was appointed to the US Sailing board in April 2024, filling the term vacated by Tony Rey. He brings extensive experience in yacht club leadership from his roles at Long Beach Yacht Club and Alamitos Bay Yacht Club, as well as serving as President of the California International Sailing Association (CISA). With a strong financial background from his professional career at Morgan Stanley, Van Dyke is deeply involved in various aspects of sailing, including offshore races and youth sailing programs, and serves as a key communicator for LA28 with World Sailing and US Sailing.
Bob Kottler – Elected Director, Member at Large position (2024-2028, four-year term) – Kottler brings a strong commitment to serving the sport that has greatly enriched his life, having contributed to the Finance Committee for several years and more recently to the Compensation Committee. With extensive banking experience in senior leadership roles, he possesses valuable financial knowledge and a deep passion for community sailing, believing it can strengthen connections within the communities served. Kottler is also active on various boards, including Community Sailing New Orleans and the International Council of Yacht Clubs, and enjoys racing his J27 and participating in regattas as a Race Committee member.
For more information about US Sailing and the Board of Directors: https://www.ussailing.org/about/our-people/board-of-directors/
Source: https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2024/10/24/changes-for-us-sailing-board-of-directors/
