Koma Gandy Fischbein / Photo: Travis Prior
GLENDALE, CO – The USA Rugby Board today announced the ratification of four at-large independent directors following an extensive search by the Nominations Committee. In line with the ongoing governance reorganization and newly ratified bylaws, the four independent directors are the last members to be seated and officially finalize the reformation of the Board. The newly seated directors are Steve Argeris, Koma Gandy Fischbein and Michael Garner, while current independent director Paul Santinelli is re-seated on the board.
The Nominating Committee evaluated over 70 applicants, conducted more than 50 initial and follow up interviews with 29 applicants completed background checks and the current Board members officially seated the four new directors.
“A major step forward today as we complete the seating of a new Board,” noted USA Rugby CEO, Ross Young, “I want to thank the current directors, new members and Nominations Committee for their contributions during this process. We’re incredibly pleased to welcome a group of individuals with extensive leadership experience in their professional and rugby lives.”
Steve Argeris connected with Rugby as a graduate student athlete at New York University. Through his most recent role as Vice President and General Counsel with the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise, Argeris’ experience spans from government affairs, risk management, strategic communication, crisis management, facility development and sponsorship. He also successfully led the team’s diversity and inclusion efforts and has served on several governing boards.
Koma Gandy Fischbein has been involved as a player and coach at the college, club and representative levels for many years, which include serving on the Board of Play Rugby USA. Her professional experience includes a successful tenure as an officer with the US Navy and has engaged in financial and strategic analysis advising. Fischbein has similarly performed strategic development work with EY, Morgan Stanley, Booz Hamilton and the Cohen Group. She currently serves as Vice President at a late stage ed-tech startup.
Michael Garner is a seasoned C-Suite executive with the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority developing and creating business opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses. Throughout his successful career, he has overseen economic development and job creation in the Tristate region. As President of a New York based service organization, he has built a nationwide network and led the development of secondary schools targeting disadvantaged young men and women. Additionally, he has served on a number of governance and advisory boards.
Paul Santinelli remains on the Board and gives continuity having served as its Vice Chair, navigating the recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy and reorganization efforts. Santinelli is an inveterate rugby player having played for 30+ years at all levels of the game. His professional experience is that of an entrepreneur and venture capitalist where he is currently a part of Raptor Sports Capital that has a focus on investments in sports, tech and media. He has broad experience in executive operations and governance with both corporate and rugby organizations.
As the new members are seated, directors Julie Lau, Jim Brown and Michael Crafton will step away from the leadership group following this transitional period. Lau and Crafton have been instrumental in the reorganization process through Audit & Risk efforts and the transition from Congress to National Councils respectively. Brown additionally provided crucial guidance through major events and will continue to support the ancillary Rugby World Cup feasibility group.
Young concluded, “On behalf of the National Office, I would like to whole-heartedly thank Julie, Jim and Michael for not only their contributions, but for their dedication and wiliness to support the organization through this unprecedented time. Their hard work and guidance not least through the reorganization has been essential in shaping USA Rugby’s path forwards and is very much appreciated.”
USA RUGBY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Independent Directors
Steve ArgerisKoma Gandy FischbeinMichael GarnerPaul Santinelli
Community Directors
Al Lucas | Senior Club DirectorMichele Yarbrough | Collegiate DirectorBill Stevens | Youth & High School Director
International Athlete Directors
Jamie BurkeIrene GardnerDenis ShanagherShalom Suniula