Mike Unger Named Assistant Executive Director of USA Swimming

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, March 13. MIKE Unger has been promoted to assistant executive director of USA Swimming, the national governing body announced today. Unger, who most recently served as chief operating officer, has held six different positions at USA Swimming since beginning his tenure in 1993.

"Mike has been an integral part of USA Swimming and through his commitment, hard work and vast knowledge of the sport, he has become increasingly valuable to the organization," said Chuck Wielgus, USA Swimming's executive director. "Mike's contributions have helped USA Swimming achieve continuous competitive and administrative successes for 14 years and I look forward to working with him to continue to elevate our organization."

As assistant executive director, Unger will take on a key role in USA Swimming's budgetary and long-term strategic planning. He will continue to oversee the Membership, Information Technology and Times departments at USA Swimming, as well as help lead special projects such as the Olympic Trials and Golden Goggles. He will also continue to serve as the liaison with NBC, the Olympic rights-holder, on production issues.

"I'm looking forward to this new position with an organization that has grown and improved consistently through the years," said Unger. "My goal has always been to make USA Swimming better, both in the pool and as a successful business enterprise. In this new role, I will continue to implement changes that will hopefully make our organization stronger and more successful."

Unger joined USA Swimming as national team coordinator in 1993, directly after obtaining his Master's degree in sport performance from the University of Massachusetts. He gained additional experience with the organization, serving as marketing director, national events director and managing director of sport performance before becoming COO in 2003. He also worked extensively on USA Swimming's national and international broadcast events including the Pan Pacific Championships, Mutual of Omaha Duel in the Pool and ConocoPhillips USA Swimming National Championships. In addition, Unger has worked with NBC at three consecutive Olympic Games and in 2004, was an associate producer for the Olympic broadcast that won a Sports Emmy for "Best Live Turn-Around."

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Unger served as an assistant swim coach for the Badgers for three years (1989-92). In addition, he swam for the Badgers from 1984-87 where he held school records in the 200-yard individual medley and 100y breaststroke and was member of the NCAA-qualifier 4x200y free relay.

Unger resides in Colorado Springs, Colo., with his wife, Lisa and their daughters, Nicole (6) and Natalie (4).

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