Mike McNees follows ex-CEO friend Logan out door at USATF
Not a surprise. Three years after USATF CEO Doug Logan brought him on board as chief operating officer, Mike McNees is exiting USA Track & Field, says this announcement. Until recently, Mike was acting CEO, since Doug got fired by the board. The wording of USATF release is ambiguous. But that means he probably got laid off by Max Siegel, the new CEO. That’s par for the course. The new coach gets to bring in his own assistants. But Mike deserves credit for keeping the organization together after the Logan drama. Hope Mike can resume his masters sprint career!
Mike (right) watched action at Olympic Trials in 50K racewalk in January with USATF board member Willie Banks, another masters athlete.
Here’s the news blast from Indy:
INDIANAPOLIS – USA Track & Field Chief Operating Officer Mike McNees is leaving the organization as USATF transitions into a new phase, USATF announced Monday.
McNees joined the USATF staff on March 1, 2009, as Chief Operating Officer. He was named Interim CEO on September 13, 2010 and served in that capacity until April 30, 2012.
“Having the opportunity to come back to my home state and lead this sport has been an honor and privilege,” McNees said. “The organization is charting a new course, and I’m proud to have done my small part in support of the team as I now re-chart my own. USA Track & Field, and I personally, both have a lot to look forward to. I want to thank all who helped make my time here rewarding, including the staff, the dedicated USATF members, and especially the amazing athletes who make us all look good every day. Go USA!”
“Mike has selflessly served USATF for more than three years,” CEO Max Siegel said. “He is a former athlete and coach who gave equal attention to every constituency of our organization. As we move into the next chapter of our organizational history, we sincerely thank him for everything he has done for USATF and wish him and his family the very best.”
McNees, 56, previously was County Administrator of Blaine County, Idaho, and had been City Manager of Sarasota, Fla. A native of Indiana, he was a three-time varsity letterman for the Indiana University track team, specializing in the 400m hurdles. He was a Big Ten team champion as well as a member of IU’s school and Big Ten meet record-setting 4x400m relay. While at USATF, he competed in masters track & field on the regional and national level, while also expanding his horizons into the half-marathon on the roads.
About USA Track & Field
USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track & field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world’s oldest organized sports, the World’s #1 Track & Field Team, the most-watched events at the Olympics, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport, and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States: www.usatf.org.
7 Responses
Thanks for posting this, Ken. And thank you, Mike McNees, for your work at USATF.
Ken, speaking of USATF, there is a championship coming up in just 2 months and 26 days; it’s called our outdoor masters nationals in Lisle, Illinois.
I went to the Web site to look for information, but none of the e-mails work (facilities, housing, entry/eligibility, officials). Anything that can be done about that?
Ken, do you know who the meet director is for Lisle? What’s the sponsoring organization? Will there be housing on campus? What’s the name of the meet hotel? Will there be a shuttle from Chicago’s O’Hare airport?
A lot of questions, Ken, but this meet is our next big one … as a national championship, should there not be some information at this relatively late date for people who like to do a little planning, set their summer schedules, etc.?
Hi Everybody,
Event information is very late but very close to being on line. Sorry for the delay no need to point fingers as most of us are volunteers doing our best. Speaking of the best that is Mike McNees a real loss for MTF as Mike was a high supporter.
Good luck Mike!!
Gary Snyder
National Chair
USATF Masters T&F
Hotels in Lisle are saying that they do not run shuttles to/from O’Hare. Hotel to track is likely, according to one hotel. Smartty
Thank you, Jerry, for doing that investigatory work. Because you are a Missourian, I am sure you will be attending this meet. Assume you mean a shuttle or bus to the stadium from at least one hotel.
Off-topic – Ken, from Peter’s posts, I would guess he is making an outstanding recovery – how about a story on the blog about Peter and his return to good health?
Peter, it’s good to see you back!
Thank you, Bob, and I appreciated your card. Very nice to meet you in Bloomington.
PLT
Pete, it’s my understanding that the regular hotel shuttles will make the run to the track. The hotel has to be fairly close to Benedictine. As mentioned a few weeks ago, I had a 4-hernia repair and it doesn’t look good for Lisle. I still have 2-3 weeks to heal. Looks like Olathe in 2013. Smartty
Leave a Reply