International Swimming Hall of Fame Starts Search For New CEO

The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) has started its search to replace Bruce Wigo as its Chief Executive Officer. Wigo announced his retirement effective December 31st of this year. Wigo took the lead job at ISHOF after Sam Frees resigned in 2004. ISHOF has been seen as an institution to the history of aquatics sports and has been based out of Ft. Lauderdale since its inception in 1961

In 1961, the Swimming Committee of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) issued a national Request for Proposal (RFP) for cities interested in becoming the home of the National Swimming Hall of Fame. Nine cities responded. The three finalists were Houston, Louisville and Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale’s bid included a museum building and the finest outdoor Olympic size swim and diving complex on the East Coast, built at no expense to the Swimming Hall of Fame, Inc. and to the AAU’s specifications.

Construction was completed in 1965 with ISHOF receiving a fifty-year, rent-free lease agreement under which the City continued to be responsible for the operation of the pools and for the utility and maintenance expenses of the buildings.

In 1968, the National Swimming Hall of Fame was recognized by FINA, the Federation International Natation Amateur, and renamed the International Swimming Hall of Fame. When it was built, it was the only 50-meter pool in south Florida and one of only 4 competitive pools in Broward County.

NEXT STEP FOR A NEW FACILITY

Artist Rendition of ISHOF in Santa Clara

The Fort Lauderdale lease expired in 2015 and is waiting to break new ground in Santa Clara, California, if all goes well. There is still some eternal hope that ISHOF will remain in Ft. Lauderdale.

ABOUT THE NEW CEO POSITION

ISHOF is a not-for-profit educational museum currently located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It is the official Hall of Fame and Museum of FINA, the international governing body for the Olympic sports of swimming, diving, synchronized swimming and diving. For more information: http://www.ishof.org.

According to the job description, the next leader should have a background in museum and attraction development and not necessarily aquatics…

“The next leader of ISHOF should be a self-starter with a demonstrated background in museum/attraction development, with a preference to those who have been involved in a turnaround.” – ISHOF Lead Job Description

The key results areas (KRA’s) which will be measures of success for this position are stated as follows:

The ability to create proactive, collaborative and positive relationships with the key organizations in the world of aquatics and local communities.
The ability to develop and work with a strong Board of Directors.
The ability to generated revenue streams from donations, products, services, events and programs which will generate annual, ongoing financial support for ISHOF. These income streams could be in partnership with other organizations.
The ability to work with and provide management direction for staff and volunteers.
The ability to communicate with and cultivate key media outlets and individuals.
A passion for the mission of the organization.

Qualified applicants please apply in confidence:

Email cover letter,
Resume (PDF document preferred),
Salary requirement

Email to: Dr. Bill Kent – bill@teamhorner.com

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