David Evangelista Takes the Helm as President of Special Olympics

In a significant leadership transition, the Special Olympics International Board has announced the appointment of David Evangelista as the new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. He will succeed Mary Davis, who will retire after ten years in the role and nearly five decades of dedicated service to the organization.

This change marks a crucial point for Special Olympics, a movement committed to fostering acceptance and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports. The board's decision, as revealed by Tim Shriver, the board chairman, indicates their confidence in Evangelista's capability to lead during a pivotal moment in the organization’s history when inclusion and the joy of sports are more vital than ever.

"After a thorough search and succession planning process, the board has unanimously selected David Evangelista to follow in Mary Davis's footsteps," Shriver expressed. "We are thrilled to have such a visionary and dedicated leader among us. The impact of Mary’s extraordinary leadership over nearly four decades has been profound, and we are all convinced that the movement will continue to thrive under David’s guidance."

Evangelista, who has served as the Regional President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, articulated his gratitude for the trust placed in him by the board. He emphasized his ambition to build on the strong foundation established by Davis and to collaborate closely with athletes, volunteers, board members, and staff to propel the movement forward.

Mary Davis, who has been a pivotal figure in Special Olympics, shared her enthusiasm for Evangelista’s new role, stating, "I look forward to working with David and the board during this transitional phase. I am confident that he will excel as Chief Executive."

David Evangelista brings over 20 years of experience with Special Olympics and has an extensive family history tied to the organization. His commitment to inclusion is evident, having facilitated growth initiatives, government relations, corporate partnerships, and sustainability strategies across various countries.

Evangelista's illustrious career includes participation in numerous international organizations, emphasizing his expertise in sports, international development, and advocacy for the rights of individuals with disabilities. He is also affiliated with the Centre for Sports and Human Rights and has spoken at prestigious venues such as the United Nations and the European Union.

His academic credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from American University and a Master’s degree in International Business from Universidad Intercontinental de la Empresa, where he also served as an adjunct professor.

The Special Olympics community eagerly awaits the fresh vision and leadership Evangelista will bring. The organization, founded in 1968, continues to thrive with over four million athletes and unified partners, conducting nearly 50,000 competitions yearly across more than 200 countries. Special Olympics reaffirms its commitment to combating discrimination against individuals with intellectual disabilities through the power of sport and education.

As Evangelista embarks on this new journey, his leadership will be pivotal in navigating the organization through its next phase of growth and sustain its mission of inclusion and acceptance worldwide.

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