Running USA Appoints Shawn K. Sullivan as Organization’s Sixth Executive Director

October 15, 2025

October 15, 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Running USA, the leading trade organization for the sport of road running and mass participation endurance events, is excited to announce the appointment of Shawn K. Sullivan as its new Executive Director. Sullivan will lead the association’s strategy, membership growth, and year-round programming in service of event operators, vendors, brands, and industry partners across North America.

As the non-profit’s sixth leader in its 26-year history, Sullivan brings more than two decades of experience across collegiate athletics, endurance events, and strategic brand leadership. Most recently, he served as Associate Commissioner for Branding, Messaging and Strategic Initiatives for the Horizon League, where he spearheaded enhanced marketing, communications, licensing, and innovation efforts and led the championship administration for cross country and track & field.

“Shawn brings a proven record of strategic leadership, industry experience, and a deep commitment to the running community,” said Kathleen Titus, President of the Running USA Board of Directors. “His energy, vision, and collaborative approach make him the ideal leader to guide Running USA into its next phase of growth and innovation. We are confident he will continue to strengthen our mission and expand our impact across the endurance industry.”

“I am thrilled to join Running USA and do my best to take what running has provided me and contribute that to our industry,” Sullivan said. “The opportunity to serve in this role is a privilege. I am filled with gratitude and energized to work diligently and inclusively alongside dedicated professionals to serve our current and future members by engaging, educating and elevating the running industry and our constituents.”

Prior to joining the Horizon League, Sullivan spent nearly nine years at Ball State University, advancing to Deputy Athletics Director for Marketing and Strategic Initiatives. In that role, he oversaw all marketing, communications, ticketing, licensing, and fan experience efforts. His earlier experience includes leadership roles at Northwestern University and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where he guided marketing, operations, and licensing for 18 NCAA Division I programs.

Sullivan supports endurance brands and organizations through his consulting firm, The Voice for Good, LLC, and is known as the public address announcer for the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever, and as a strong advocate for mental health awareness through his professional and personal platforms.

In his new role, Sullivan will oversee member services, research and education initiatives, strategic partnerships, and Running USA’s flagship events, including the 2026 Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku. His priorities will include expanding member value, strengthening data and research resources, and advancing professional development and industry collaboration year-round. A virtual meet-and-greet for Running USA members will be announced for a November date.

About Running USA

Running USA is a non-profit that serves as the leading trade organization for the running industry in North America and hosts the nation’s preeminent industry conference annually. Through education, research, best practices and data, Running USA is committed to supporting and facilitating growth, diversification and excitement in running communities everywhere. We promote networking and idea-sharing between event organizers, sponsors, vendors and athletes. Running USA is a member of a global alliance of organizations focused on the betterment of the global running community including the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics. For more information, visit runningusa.org.