Harper The New Man At Synchro
Former Executive Director at U.S. Sailing accepts Synchro position

October 25 , 2001

Terry Harper will open the door into new territory on November 1 when the veteran National Governing Body executive begins his tenure as Executive Director of U.S. Synchronized Swimming. Harper, who spent seven years in the same post with U.S. Sailing, succeeds Debbie Hesse, who resigned her post effective Oct. 31. Harper accepted the position on Oct. 15.

"I'm very excited about this opportunity with U.S. Synchronized Swimming. My history at Sailing was one of growth. I enjoy helping organizations grow and expand their opportunities for participation, and that's what USA Synchro is charged to do," Harper said. "I've been really impressed with where Debbie and the Board of Directors have been able to take USA Synchro over past several years. I hope I can help augment that effort.

"Synchro obviously has a strong and enthusiastic volunteer base. I enjoy working with volunteers in sports because they care so much about what they're doing. I came up through the volunteer side of sports, so I understand both the volunteer and staff needs of an organization."

While with Sailing, Harper is credited with growing the organization's membership from 26,000 to nearly 45,000, while doubling U.S. Sailing's revenues, and oversaw the business implementation of many new programs in race administration, training, and offshore services.

U.S. Sailing's Junior Olympic program, which was initially Harper's brainchild, introduces Sailing competition to more than 5,000 youths in 20 events nationwide, and is planned to expand to as many as 50 events within the next 5 years.

"Terry brings a wealth of related knowledge and experience to the position, and we look forward to continued success under his leadership," said USSS President Betty Hazle. "He has expressed a sincere interest in expanding the offerings and reach of our organization. I feel he will be a great asset to synchronized swimming and we're happy to have him on board."

Harper has been involved in local sports since the early 1980s. He served as the event director for the 1988 U.S. Olympic Sailing Trials in San Diego and both the 1988 and 1992 America's Cup.

Harper, 56, is the fourth executive director in the history of U.S. Synchronized Swimming, following Paula Oyer, Betty Watanabe and Hesse.

Prior to serving as Sailing's E.D., Harper spent 22 years practicing law in San Diego, Calif. Born and raised in California, Harper graduated with a B.A. from Fresno State in 1967 while competing for the water polo team and earning Division All-America honors in swimming. He later earned his J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of Law He is accompanied to Indianapolis by his wife, Lori, and children, Morgan, 10 and Mackenzie, 7.

Harper is the third new hire by U.S. Synchronized Swimming in October. Also joining the National Office staff are Business Development Manager Pat Kraft, and Membership Coordinator Scott Metzler, who begins his duties on Nov. 5.