Reed Maltbie announced as new ICSA Executive Director

ICSA Executive Director, Reed Maltbi © ICSA

After an extensive interview process, the ICSA has announced the organization's new Executive Director, Reed Maltbie. Serving as the ICSA's first Executive Director, Reed will oversee the day-to-day operations of College Sailing and serve the board of directors, conferences and teams that compete throughout North America.

The ICSA Executive Committee recommended hiring an Executive Director after The Collegiate Sports Associates report presented at the 2020 ICSA Winter Meeting. Chaired by former PCCSC commissioner Blaine Pedlow, the Executive Director Search Committee sought a candidate who excelled in a number of skills critical to serve our diverse teams and sailors. These include excellent communication skills, strategic thinking, marketing & fundraising experience, along with sports and nonprofit management experience.

The new role of ICSA Executive Director will serve as the ICSA's most visible spokesperson.In building this role, the ICSA board of directors envisions expanded support for teams and conferences in their external relations, fundraising and sponsorship, and media relations. Further, this position will expand ICSA's connection to its 25,000+ alumni, fostering a culture of engagement and volunteerism, while also supporting our current generation of student leaders and coaches. This role will also optimize and promote ICSA's relationship with other US and International sailing organizations.

In building this role, the ICSA board of directors envisions expanded support for teams and conferences in their external relations, fundraising and sponsorship, and media relations. Further, this position will expand ICSA's connection to its 25,000+ alumni, fostering a culture of engagement and volunteerism, while also supporting our current generation of student leaders and coaches. This role will also optimize and promote ICSA's relationship with other US and International sailing organizations.

With nearly 30 years of experience as an educator/coach and two masters degrees, Reed brings a wealth of practical experience to this role. With nearly 30 years of experience as an educator/coach and two masters degrees, Reed brings a wealth of practical experience to this role. Reed was introduced to the sailing community through his work with US Sailing and first worked with ICSA during the 2020 Winter Meeting. Reed comes to ICSA after serving as COO serving as COO Doors of Change, a nonprofit working with homeless youth.

"Accepting this position means a great deal as it is, for me, realizing some lifelong goals. I believe my purpose is to help create a better sporting environment for generations to come and this role affords me the opportunity to fulfill that purpose in a sport that people can do for life and with broad reach."

"I spent several decades as a player, coach, educator, and leader in the soccer world and I experienced similar dynamics there. I am hoping to draw upon those experiences to bring a fresh perspective to ICSA and leverage the strengths of our leadership to create the best competitive environment for every team in the organization"

Soccer may have been his start into youth sports but he has worked with dozens of sports as a consultant and is excited to make an impact in sailing.

"This is the kind of role and community where we can really make an impact on the sport and the world through our work. I cannot wait to embed myself in this community, empower our great leaders to continue to grow the sport of sailing, and encourage our student-athletes to chase their own excellence on and off the water."

Current ICSA President, Mitch Brindley, had this to say about working with Reed: "I think it is mark of achievement that the ICSA has hired a full time executive director, we have reached a point in our growth and development where independent and professional leadership is needed to effectively manage College Sailing and better serve the varying needs and interests of club and varsity sailing programs. Reed's vast experience and skills in leadership development, marketing, strategic planning, philanthropic growth, and coach training will help steer the ICSA and college sailors well into the future." Reed will be working alongside Mitch for one year to ensure a smooth transition.

Reed's vision and drive to better the ICSA, the sport, and the sailing community is evident. "You know what they say, "high tide raises all ships". I am hoping we can raise the tides and the sport to a new level."