USA Triathlon Announces Results of 2025 Board of Directors and Athletes’ Advisory Council Elections

October 30, 2025

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – USA Triathlon today announced the results of its 2025 election for the organization’s Board of Directors and Athletes’ Advisory Council (AAC). Eligible USA Triathlon annual members elected two General Directors, two Athlete Directors, and one AAC representative.

Elected to the USA Triathlon Board of Directors:

• Beth Kaufman – General Director (new member of the Board)
• Heather Grahame – General Director (new member of the Board)
• Kelly Elmlinger – Athlete Director (re-elected)
• William Huffman – Athlete Director (re-elected)

Elected to the AAC:

• Deborah Chucoski – AAC Representative (new member of the AAC)

Additionally, USA Triathlon Board Chair Henry Brandon (Independent Director) and Felix Stellmaszek (Independent Director) were confirmed by the Board during its August meeting.

Elections are held annually among eligible USA Triathlon annual members, who vote to elect representatives to serve on the Board of Directors and the AAC. The USA Triathlon Board of Directors governs, oversees, and guides the organization’s business affairs, while the AAC ensures that the perspectives and interests of elite, development, and age-group athletes are represented in USA Triathlon’s decision-making processes.

“On behalf of the USA Triathlon Board of Directors, I want to congratulate all of our newly elected and returning members,” said Henry Brandon, Chair of the USA Triathlon Board of Directors. “We’re thrilled to welcome new voices to the Board and the AAC. Beth Kaufman, Heather Grahame and Deborah Chucoski each bring extensive senior management expertise and will be tremendous assets to the Board and the AAC, and partners to the USA Triathlon Executive Team. Their combined decades of insight and experience will be incredibly valuable as we deliver on our core business principles.  We are also grateful that we will continue to benefit from the experience and leadership of those re-elected, including William Huffman and Kelly Elmlinger, as well as Felix Stellmaszek, who was re-appointed. Together, this group brings a wealth of knowledge and passion that will help guide the organization forward. Their expertise will be a great complement to the broad, deep, and diverse experience of our other directors. This is critically important as we focus on driving growth on a grassroots level within our existing business, while simultaneously preparing for the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I also want to sincerely thank departing Board members Keri Serota and Col. Yvonne Spencer for their invaluable service and extraordinary dedication to the Board and the Federation.”

Additionally, Brandon added:

“I am deeply honored and humbled by the confidence shown in me by my fellow Board members. I’m excited to continue this journey and ensure the Federation’s pursuit of excellence.  The robust execution of our strategic plan, Elevate 2028, remains our highest priority,” Brandon said.

“Congratulations to our newly elected and returning Board and Athletes’ Advisory Council members,” said Victoria Brumfield, USA Triathlon CEO. “Each member brings a unique perspective, deep expertise, and a shared commitment to advancing our sport and supporting our multisport community. I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to strengthen the future of triathlon in the U.S. I also want to thank all USA Triathlon members who participated in this election. Your engagement and voices are vital to the continued growth and success of our organization.”

General Directors

Kaufman spent more than 25 years in consulting with the Boston Consulting Group, working with complex organizations across public, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors, including the United Nations, U.S. Government, and major global companies. Her expertise lies in governance, organizational design, and strategic growth.

Since retiring in 2021, Kaufman has become an avid triathlete, competing for Age Group Team USA and contributing her professional skills to USA Triathlon through a pro bono governance study that has had a lasting impact on the organization. She hopes to continue combining her professional experience with her passion for the sport to help USA Triathlon achieve its strategic goals and inspire others through triathlon.

“I am honored to be elected to serve on the USA Triathlon Board of Directors. I look forward to growing the sport of triathlon in the USA!” Kaufman said.

With 40 years of experience in legal, business governance, and nonprofit leadership, Grahame brings deep strategic expertise and a lifelong passion for triathlon. She served as General Counsel and Vice President of Regulatory and Federal Government Affairs for a $3+ billion energy company, overseeing legal matters, compliance, and strategic planning. A decorated age-group triathlete, Grahame has competed nationally and internationally across multiple multisport organizations, including USA Triathlon, IRONMAN, and Age Group Team USA.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve on the USA Triathlon Board of Directors, and sincerely thank USA Triathlon members for their support. I am passionate about USA Triathlon’s success and am dedicated to helping move the organization forward,” Grahame said.

Athlete Directors

A decorated paratriathlete and U.S. Army veteran, Elmlinger found triathlon through military adaptive sports after losing her leg to cancer. She has been a longtime member of the U.S. Elite Paratriathlon National Team since winning the 2018 USA Paratriathlon National Championships and has won two World Championships in 2021 and 2023.

Elmlinger’s 20-year military career in medical service shaped her leadership and advocacy for others, which are traits she now applies to her governance work within triathlon. As an Athlete Director, she aims to continue strengthening athlete engagement and helping shape the future of the sport leading into the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. She was first elected to the USA Triathlon Board of Directors in the February 2025 election after serving on the AAC.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve in this position. Sports have always been a significant part of my life and has helped me evolve as a better person throughout life. Finding triathlon after my medical issues has given me the space to feel relevant again in life and I look forward to working alongside the other members to continue to foster a space where triathletes feel seen, heard and welcomed,” Elmlinger said. “I want to take on the challenge to keep growing triathlon so other athletes can experience positive outcomes that come along with participating in our sport.”

Huffman, a former elite triathlete who raced for the U.S. Elite Triathlon National Team from 2010 to 2020, is a two-time Elite National Medalist and Pan American Games competitor. Since retiring from elite competition, he has continued to race as an age-grouper and serve the triathlon community through leadership roles.

Huffman has served on the Board as an Athlete Director since first being elected in 2021. He is currently the Board Treasurer. Based in New York City, Huffman brings both competitive and financial leadership experience to the Board and is committed to fostering a collaborative environment that supports athlete success and organizational growth.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the USA Triathlon community. It’s a privilege to represent our athletes and help shape the future of the sport,” Huffman said.

AAC

A visually impaired athlete, Chucoski has represented the U.S. both nationally and internationally in age-group and elite paratriathlon competition, including Para Nationals and mixed relay events. A USA Triathlon Level I Certified Coach and youth soccer coach, she is passionate about developing the whole athlete and is dedicated to creating positive athletic experiences for athletes at every level.

“I am honored to serve on the AAC. This is my opportunity to give back to USA Triathlon by using my skills and experiences to help the organization,” Chucoski said.

USA Triathlon elections are conducted in accordance with the USA Triathlon Election Policy, which details the nomination and election procedures. This year, USA Triathlon received over 60 nominations for its Board of Directors election. The potential candidates were reviewed and vetted by the independent Nominating and Governance Committee. The election was then conducted by an independent election company on behalf of USA Triathlon. The Election Policy is available on USA Triathlon’s website here: USA Triathlon Election Policy (PDF).

For more information about USA Triathlon governance, including the Board of Directors and AAC, visit www.usatriathlon.org/governance.

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.

– usatriathlon.org –

CONTACT: STEPHEN MEYERS (stephen.meyers@usatriathlon.org, 719-884-5616)