Frank Shorter, who has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the United States Anti-Doping Agency since its inception in 2000, announced his resignation Monday. He resigned due to pressing time commitments required for his numerous business ventures.
Dr. Ralph Hale (Washington, D.C.), who has served as the Vice Chairman on USADA’s Board of Directors, was named the USADA Chairman of the Board. The executive vice president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, His extensive international anti-doping work sport includes serving on the USOC/USSR Anti-Doping Commission (1989-92).
In addition, Dr. Richard Cohen (Atlanta) becomes the Vice Chairman of the USADA Board of Directors. USADA will announce the person filling vacant board position at a later date.
“It is a bittersweet time for me, as I remain passionate regarding the anti-doping efforts throughout the world. I am excited about the direction I was able to assist USADA during its initial times, and now due to business commitments, I am unable to dedicate the time I feel is appropriate to serve as USADA’s Chairman of the Board,” said Shorter. “This has been one of the most rewarding opportunities I have been involved in my life, as I have been able to voice my opinions and help current and future athletes toward their goal of drug-free sport.”
Shorter (Boulder, Colo.) won the gold medal in the marathon at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, followed by a silver medal-performance at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.
“Frank helped us with the birth of the baby (USADA), and has been a staunch advocate of the anti-doping efforts in the United States for many years. The USADA Board of Directors and staff, plus the athletes across the country owe a great debt of gratitude to Frank. He has admirably represented the United States during his career as an Olympic gold medallist and in his fight against doping prior to and with USADA,” said Dr. Hale.
“We hope Frank will continue the fight against doping in sport, and we cannot thank him enough for the countless hours he dedicated toward this cause,” said Terry Madden, USADA’s Chief Executive Officer. “He has played a major role in regaining respect for American athletes, both nationally and internationally, in regards to being clean athletes.”
Shorter has been an outspoken advocate of international anti-doping initiatives.
“USADA has been very active in reestablishing a level playing field in Olympic sport,” Shorter said, “I know that USADA is looking forward to fulfilling its mission of preserving the well being of sport, the integrity of competition and ensuring the health of athletes.”
A noted orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Cohen served as chairman of the Doping Control Commission for the 1996 Olympic Games, and worked as an advisor on doping control to the Nagano Olympic Organizing Committee during the 1998 Olympic Winter Games.
USADA is the independent anti-doping agency for Olympic sports in the United States, and is responsible for managing the testing and adjudication process for U.S. Olympic, Pan Am and Paralympic athletes. USADA is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.
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