Hesse Resigns Post At USA Synchro

July 6, 2001

Executive Director Debbie Hesse announced Friday her resignation from U.S. Synchronized Swimming, effective Oct. 31.

Hesse has been with Synchro Swimming USA since 1994, and oversaw all facets of the organization during that time, primarily marketing, revenue development, personnel and U.S. Olympic Committee relations.

Under Hesse's guidance, USA Synchro's staff increased from four to 11 members, the budget increased from $800K to more than $1.9M, and sponsor and joint marketing revenue rose more than 2,000 percent.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the seven years I have served the organization. I have delighted in working for the athletes, the board of directors, and the wonderful members of Synchro Swimming USA," Hesse said. "I came to U.S. Synchronized Swimming with an appreciation for the sport, and I leave with a true awe of the athleticism, enthusiasm, hard work and pride of the sport's devotees."

Hesse plans on spending time with her husband, Mark, the swim coach for North Central High School in Indianapolis, and her nearly three-year-old daughter, Gabriella, before pursuing new opportunities.

"Please join me in thanking Debbie for the many years of dedication and devotion to our sport. Her efforts to build our sport into what it is today cannot go unrecognized," said USSS President Betty Hazle. "These few words of appreciation are just not enough for the countless hours that she has devoted to furthering synchronized swimming. We will definitely miss her."

Hesse, 38, is a native of Orchard Park, N.Y. She competed in varsity swimming for Texas A&M University, and worked for the American Swim Coaches Association, the International Swimming Hall of Fame Aquatic Complex and Proctor & Gamble before coming to USA Synchro in 1994.

The search for a replacement will begin in late July.