Dear Friend,
It’s been my absolute privilege to watch Row New York grow and flourish over the past 18 years. That’s why it’s with mixed emotions that I am sharing the news that I will be transitioning out of my role at Row New York to become the new CEO of USRowing, the national governing body for the sport of rowing in the United States. Row New York’s mission and contributions to the sport of rowing have paved the way for this next step and I am eager to bring all of our great successes and the lessons I’ve learned here to the broader rowing community. I hope that someday soon our sport will reflect the rich diversity of our country, much as it has at Row New York.
I am leaving Row New York in incredibly competent hands, with Rachel Cytron remaining as Executive Director and fully in charge of the organization when I transition in October. Rachel has been with us since May of 2019 (and the fact that she led us through a pandemic adds a few symbolic years to her tenure). She has led Row New York with professionalism, a passion for innovation, and an emphasis on creating an inclusive and supportive culture both for staff and participants. She has brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise on effective sport-based youth development programming. When I first considered what this incredible opportunity at USRowing might mean for Row New York and for the sport of rowing one thing was immediately clear: that Row New York will continue to thrive under Rachel’s skilled leadership.
I have such deep love for this sport for all the reasons that so many people fall in love with it. Rowing teaches us all the most important lessons in life about patience and perseverance and teamwork. It asks us to do things we don’t think we’re capable of. It brings us closer to nature and to one another. To have had the opportunity to bring that experience to young New Yorkers as well as New Yorkers with disabilities has been a great privilege.
Row New York started in the summer of 2002 with $5. We had a small group of brave girls, a borrowed boat from my college coach, but we grew and got better, and I learned so much from the entire Row New York community. From board members, middle schoolers, coaches, staff, elected officials––they all had lessons to share. It’s our kids at Row New York who have shown me what is most important––to be a good teammate, to be honest, to work hard, and to keep a sense of humor through it all.
I’ve felt so lucky to be surrounded by people who have jumped in to share this vision for Row New York over the years. This community of ours is filled with individuals who have asked, countless times, “How can I help?” and it has been a pleasure to know you and count you as allies and partners as Row New York has grown. I hope that Rachel, the staff, and the many New Yorkers we serve at Row New York can continue to count on you as we move into this next phase of growth.
I will continue to be closely involved with Row New York as a member of the board of directors and will remain connected to the boathouse project and the capital campaign.
I wish I could have told each of you this news in person. You have all made Row New York what it is and I would be remiss if I did not end this email with an enormous thank you to each and every one of you. You have made this an adventure and project of a lifetime.
With enormous gratitude,
Amanda
