Posted: August 31, 2005

Athletics: Raith to depart USATF, become Executive Director of U.S. Figure Skating

INDIANAPOLIS - USA Track & Field (USATF) on Wednesday announced that Director of Events and Broadcasting David Raith will leave the organization in order to become Executive Director of U.S. Figure Skating.

During his time with USA Track & Field, Raith oversaw all USATF events and television broadcasts. Projects under his guidance included the 2004 Olympic Trials and the launch in 2005 of the Visa Championship Series, USATF's series of elite indoor and outdoor track and field meets, televised nationally on NBC and ESPN.

"David's broad skill set and television savvy helped our events become even more entertaining and spectator-friendly, and we thank him for his many contributions to our sport," said USATF CEO Craig Masback. "We're proud to see him take the next step up to become Executive Director of U.S. Figure Skating, where he will be even more successful."

"It was very fulfilling to me to be part of USA Track & Field for the last two years," Raith said. "Expanding the Visa Championship Series and being part of the world's biggest Olympic Trials and national championships has provided me with the world-class, national governing body experience that will serve me well with U.S. Figure Skating."

Raith will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of U.S. Figure Skating. He will oversee the organization's operating budget while managing the policies, programs and goals of the association as approved by the Board of Directors.

Raith joined USATF in 2003, after having served as the vice president of sports for the Goodwill Games. He was responsible for event and television scheduling, athlete participation, and operational aspects of up to 24 different sports. From 1980-1985 he helped establish CNN Sports as anchor, coordinating producer, "Sports Tonight" producer, and producer of "The Games of '84," CNN Sports' daily coverage leading up to and during the 1984 Olympic Winter and Summer Games.

Raith's last day with USATF will be Sept. 9.