New Chapter for U.S. Diving Foundation
The U.S. Diving Foundation is beginning a new chapter.
The U.S. Diving Foundation, a nonprofit organization established to support the growth and success of diving in the United States, works in close partnership with USA Diving to provide critical funding for athlete development, coaching, facilities and community initiatives. The foundation’s mission is to mobilize philanthropic resources and build a sustainable financial future for the sport, helping propel the United States toward global leadership in diving.
“Our goal is to build a world-class foundation that meaningfully elevates financial support for USA Diving, and empowers our athletes and coaches at every level to compete and win, from the local to the global stage as we look toward LA28 and beyond,” said Board Chair Casey Lynch.
Since assuming his role as chair, Lynch has helped guide the foundation through a period of growth and strategic alignment, strengthening its commitment to supporting athletes at every stage of competition. Another step he has taken is hiring Michelle Bair to serve as the foundation’s executive director.
Bair, PhD, brings extensive experience leading complex, enterprise-wide fundraising organizations across healthcare, global health initiatives and education. Throughout her career, she has built and managed high-performing teams, developed multiyear fundraising strategies and cultivated principal and transformational donors whose investments have accelerated institutional priorities. A graduate of the University of Florida (BM) and Texas Tech University (MM, PhD), Dr. Bair has focused on building deep, meaningful relationships with donors, community members and board leaders to advance mission-driven organizations.
“I'm truly honored to have the opportunity to join the U.S. Diving Foundation at this pivotal moment as we work in partnership with USA Diving to advance the sport at every level,” said Bair. “The discipline, sacrifice, and self-possession required to succeed in these environments are invaluable skills that extend far beyond competition.”
Bair emphasized that, with the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane approaching, USA Diving and the U.S. Diving Foundation are well-positioned to elevate diving in the U.S. to an unprecedented level.
USA Diving leadership also expressed enthusiasm for the transition.
“We are excited for this new chapter of the U.S. Diving Foundation,” said Lee Michaud, President of USA Diving. “Under Casey’s leadership as Chair, and with the addition of Dr. Bair, we are strengthening our commitment to supporting athletes and advancing the future of diving in the United States.”
As the U.S. Diving Foundation enters its next chapter, the organization remains committed to its core mission: empowering athletes and building a lasting legacy for the sport through strategic investment and community engagement.
About the U.S. Diving Foundation
The U.S. Diving Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting USA Diving and the broader diving community. Through fundraising, grantmaking, and strategic initiatives, the Foundation provides resources that help athletes, coaches and programs succeed at all levels of the sport.
About USA Diving
About USA Diving: Featuring America's best divers, USA Diving is the national governing body for the sport of diving. USA Diving offers diversified programs geared toward the broadest number of diving enthusiasts, from the novice to the world champion. USA Diving conducts approximately 25 regional and national events annually and is responsible for training and selecting teams that represent the United States at international events such as the Olympic Games, World Championships and World Cup.
