Dawna Stone Named CEO of Running USA

December 23, 2020

Successful entrepreneur and recognized industry leader tapped by the non-profit to usher in the next phase of growth

(Dec. 23, 2020) – Running USA, the leading trade association for the running industry, announced today that Dawna Stone has been hired as the organization’s fourth CEO in its 22-year history.

Stone is a mom of two, the author of ten books, a certified health coach, motivational speaker and successful entrepreneur. Her varied career includes key roles in the public sector (Morgan Stanley, Deloitte Consulting, Active.com) as well as in the private sector, where she conceptualized, built and sold both the award-winning national magazine, Women’s Running, and the Women’s Half Marathon Series.

“It’s an honor to lead Running USA as its Chief Executive Officer,” Stone said. “I’m excited to be back in an industry about which I am so passionate, and to be working closely with our extraordinary Running USA staff, board of directors, members and partners. I’m confident that together we can build on our existing strengths and lead the organization to even greater success.”

Stone appears regularly on television and has appeared on the Today show, Martha, MSNBC, and morning news programs on NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox. She was the host of “Health and Fitness Talk” on Sirius Satellite Radio and had her own segment on Fox News called “Healthy Living with Dawna Stone.” A highly sought-after speaker, she has appeared at engagements for Chobani, Disney, American Heart Association, Wharton Business School, WE TV, PGA Tour, Super Bowl Leadership Forum and many more. In 2005, Dawna appeared on and won The Apprentice: Martha Stewart.

“Dawna is the right leader for Running USA,” said Jeff Matlow, President of the Running USA Board of Directors.  “Her impressive and diverse experience, in and out of the sports industry, brings to our organization unique qualities that are primed to usher in the next phase of our growth.  I’m ecstatic to have the opportunity to work with her as we generate more value for our members.”

Dawna Stone will begin her new duties as CEO on Monday, January 4, 2021.  She lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with her husband, two kids and two dogs.

About Running USA

Running USA is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization devoted to improving the status and experience of distance running and racing in the United States through collective marketing and promotions, information and communications within the industry and to the national media, services to events and industry members, and the development of American world class stars. It seeks the advancement of the sport and the provision of value to each of its members’ events and businesses. For more information, visit RunningUSA.org