Mark Scott Appointed as New Chair of the U.S. Center for SafeSport Board

Mark Scott Takes the Helm as Chair of SafeSport

In a significant development at the U.S. Center for SafeSport, Mark Scott has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board of Directors as of February 25, 2026. Scott, who joined the board in March 2025, previously served on the Finance Committee. He takes over from Paralympic gold medalist April Holmes, who will now hold the title of Chair Emeritus after her tenure as interim Chief Executive Officer during a transitional phase for the Center.

Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, the current CEO of the Center and an Olympic gold medalist, expressed her confidence in Scott's leadership during this critical time. “Mark's experience in business development and his commitment to community service make him an ideal leader to guide the Center as we chart our future direction,” she stated.

Scott's background is rich in leadership experience, particularly in finance and business development. Following his retirement from a high-level executive role at Intrado, he now leads a boutique advisory firm focusing on the Private Equity sector. His prior advisory engagements include notable organizations such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

The mission of the U.S. Center for SafeSport focuses on preventing abuse within the Olympic and Paralympic sports environments. Following several high-profile scandals in recent years, the Center was established to ensure the safety of athletes and implement robust policies to combat abuse and misconduct.

Commenting on his new role, Scott emphasized the personal nature of SafeSport's mission, reflecting on his experiences as a father to young athletes. “I am committed to advancing SafeSport’s mission with a focus on excellence and efficiency, ensuring the well-being and safety of our athletes,” he remarked.

April Holmes, now Chair Emeritus, passionately supported Scott's elevation to the chair position. “Having worked closely with Mark, I have every confidence that he is the right person to lead SafeSport forward. I will continue to advocate for athlete safety and support the organization's efforts,” she stated.

The Board of Directors at SafeSport plays a crucial role in establishing the organization's governance structure, setting strategic directions, and ensuring policies align with the mission of athlete safety.

Overview of Mark Scott's Leadership Experience

Mark Scott is recognized for his extensive experience and dedication to community service. His leadership lineage includes significant advisory roles across various organizations, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to organizational governance and strategic development. Notably, Scott chaired a Colorado-based charitable organization for over 16 years and played an instrumental role in launching an Executive MBA program at the University of Denver for promising intrado employees.

Living in Colorado with his wife, Jacqueline, Scott is also a proud father of twin daughters, further grounding his commitment to fostering a safe sport environment for the next generation.

Contributions of April Holmes

April Holmes’s journey as a Paralympic gold medalist and her work as a motivational speaker have made her a significant figure in promoting athlete safety. After facing a significant personal challenge and an injury, Holmes has transformed her story into a narrative of resilience and advocacy. Her legacy at SafeSport includes guiding the organization through crucial times and raising awareness for safety in sports.

Both Scott and Holmes are connected by a shared goal: to ensure that the focus remains on athlete well-being and to combat abuse in sports rigorously.

The Role of the U.S. Center for SafeSport

Since its inception in 2017, after the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act was enacted, the U.S. Center for SafeSport has positioned itself as an independent body aimed at abolishing abuse in sports. By implementing policies such as the SafeSport Code and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP), the Center strives to audibly set the standards for safety in athletic environments. It remains dedicated to offering educational resources that target violence prevention and abuse accountability across all athletic frameworks.

As SafeSport continues to expand its influence and safety protocols, Scott’s leadership is set to hold a promising future for the organization and the athletes they serve.