U.S. Center for SafeSport Welcomes New Members to Board of Directors

U.S. Center for SafeSport Welcomes New Board Members

On March 26, 2026, the U.S. Center for SafeSport made an exciting announcement regarding the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors. Michael Levin and Kristina Schaefer, both seasoned professionals with extensive backgrounds in compliance, ethics, and marketing, are set to reinforce the Center's commitment to athlete safety and welfare in the lead-up to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles (LA28).

The U.S. Center for SafeSport, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, aims to eliminate sexual, physical, and emotional abuse within U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sports. It provides key resources and support systems to ensure all athletes feel safe and valued in their sports environment.

Strengthening Governance and Compliance

Michael Levin brings years of experience in compliance and ethics, having served in high-ranking positions across various industries. He is currently Of Counsel at Kaplan Walker LLP, where he focuses on developing corporate compliance and ethics programs. Levin previously held the role of Chief Ethics Officer at Freddie Mac and has a robust background in managing compliance issues on a global scale.

Levin's career spans roles at major defense contractors like BAE Systems and Boeing, where he led international compliance teams. His knowledge will be critical as the Center refines its policies and practices in compliance with existing regulations to better safeguard athletes.

Kristina Schaefer, on the other hand, is a marketing expert with a strong connection to the Olympic movement. Having held significant marketing positions with IMG and the Canadian Olympic Committee, she possesses a wealth of knowledge about partnership development and sponsorship management. At the Center, Schaefer's marketing proficiency will enhance outreach and visibility for safety initiatives, especially as the organization gears up for LA28.

Looking Ahead to LA28

Mark Scott, Chair of the Board, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions, stating, "The board looks forward to working with its two newest members in providing strategic support and advice as the Center closes out its first decade of operation and looks to the future." This fresh perspective and expertise will significantly contribute to the Center's ongoing efforts to champion the safety of athletes while promoting a culture of compliance.

Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, the Center's CEO and a former Olympic Gold Medalist, emphasized the importance of having professionals who prioritize athlete safety onboard. "As we embark on a strategic planning process that will carry us through 2028, we must ensure that our operational excellence keeps athlete safeguarding as a gold standard," she stated.

Addressing the Need for Change

The emergence of the Center was catalyzed by public outcry over the abusive treatment of young athletes within the sports they love. Shocking instances of misconduct came to light in the mid-2010s, prompting the need for a specialized body devoted to athlete protection. The Center not only develops policies to prevent abuse but also provides an educational platform aimed at creating an environment free of fear and harassment.

As part of its overarching goal, the Center is tasked with implementing policies such as the SafeSport Code and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP). These frameworks ensure that all involved in the sporting ecosystem understand their responsibilities towards protecting athletes.

The Ongoing Mission

As it moves toward LA28, the U.S. Center for SafeSport remains resolute in its mission to promote athlete well-being above all. The addition of Levin and Schaefer to the Board of Directors signifies a step forward in strengthening governance and enhancing the effectiveness of programs designed to protect athletes. These strategic appointments not only bolster the Center's operational framework but also align with its goal to cultivate a culture of safety within sports.

In fulfilling its mandate, the Center continues to be an educational resource for sports organizations and aims to instill best practices across the board. By establishing comprehensive safety policies and conducting thorough investigations into misconduct allegations, the Center is committed to ensuring that athletes have a supportive and secure environment.

For more information about how to report abuse or misconduct, individuals can reach out to the U.S. Center for SafeSport and access their resources available for crisis intervention and support. Together, with the expertise of new board members and a collective effort from the community, the Center is determined to uphold the integrity of sports while safeguarding the most vulnerable within the Olympic and Paralympic landscape.