Jason Rizzi Named Chief Development Officer of the USA Triathlon Foundation

July 17, 2025

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – USA Triathlon and the USA Triathlon Foundation today announced the appointment of Jason Rizzi as the Foundation’s new Chief Development Officer. A mission-driven fundraising executive and lifelong endurance athlete, Rizzi brings more than 15 years of experience leading transformational philanthropic initiatives, cultivating high-impact donor relationships, and building fundraising strategies grounded in purpose and long-term vision.

Rizzi, originally from Sleepy Hollow, New York, and now based in Los Angeles, will play a key leadership role in securing philanthropic investment to advance USA Triathlon’s Elevate 2028 Focus Forward Strategic Plan. His focus will include expanding USA Triathlon Foundation’s transformational and direct impact on triathlon in the U.S. by connecting the generosity of the multisport community with the Foundation’s core mission of transforming lives through sport.

Through strategic philanthropy, the USA Triathlon Foundation is building a lasting foundation for triathlon in the U.S. by increasing access and opportunities for youth and underrepresented communities, strengthening collegiate development pipelines and supporting para-athlete engagement. At the elite level, the Foundation drives investment in the identification, development, and sustained support of Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls — fueling innovation in high-performance programming as Team USA prepares for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“As we continue to build momentum toward LA28 and beyond, we are thrilled to welcome Jason Rizzi to the USA Triathlon Foundation,” said Victoria Brumfield, USA Triathlon CEO. “Jason is not only a strategic, accomplished fundraising leader with a proven track record of securing transformational gifts, but also a passionate triathlete who deeply understands the power and potential of our sport. His unique combination of personal connection and professional expertise will be critical as we work to expand the Foundation’s reach and impact in support of our athletes, programs, and multisport community.”

A passionate advocate for sport and the Olympic and Paralympic movement, Rizzi previously served as Senior Director of Development at UCLA School of Law’s Williams Institute, where he led a comprehensive national fundraising strategy across annual, major, and principal giving, signature events, and board engagement. Prior roles include leadership positions at JUST Capital, Columbia University, Hackley School, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation, where he was instrumental in growing the Team Behind the Team initiative for the Rio 2016 and PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“When I watched the debut of paratriathlon at the Rio 2016 Games, I had the incredible opportunity to bring donors along to witness our Team USA women sweep the podium — a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in our athletes. Today, as we prepare for a once-in-a-generation opportunity with a home Games at LA28, there is an urgent need to build a strong, sustainable pipeline of philanthropic support,” Rizzi said. “Funding is critical, not just for our Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, but for the next generation of youth, collegiate, and age group athletes discovering the sport. I’m honored to join USA Triathlon at this pivotal moment to help ensure that cost is never a barrier to excellence or access, and that we deliver a movement as inclusive and high-performing as the athletes who represent it. I’m excited to get to work.”

In addition to his fundraising expertise, Rizzi brings a personal passion for the multisport lifestyle, having competed in more than 100 triathlons over the past two decades, including IRONMAN-distance races.

Rizzi’s appointment marks a continued commitment by the USA Triathlon Foundation to grow philanthropic investment in the sport, support Team USA athletes at all levels, and create equitable opportunities for all individuals to experience the life-changing power of triathlon.

About USA Triathlon Foundation

The USA Triathlon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the charitable arm of USA Triathlon. With its mission to transform lives through sport by providing opportunities to swim, bike and run, the Foundation serves to generate a greater impact on the multisport community through charitable giveback and grants that advance the Foundation’s three pillars: (1) Encourage youth participation; (2) Inspire pathways to access and inclusion; and (3) Ignite Olympic/Paralympic dreams. Since the Foundation was established in 2014, it has impacted the lives of thousands by providing grants to organizations and individuals in pursuit of its mission and pillars to create a healthier United States through triathlon. To learn more about the Foundation and get involved, please visit www.usatriathlon.org/foundation

About USA Triathlon

USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon, paratriathlon, and indoor and virtual multisport events in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 3,500 events and races and connects with and supports more than 300,000 unique active members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work at the grassroots level with athletes, coaches, and race directors — as well as the USA Triathlon Foundation — USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Triathlon World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.