USRowing Welcomes New Director of Sport Growth and Chief of Staff

USRowing is pleased to announce the additions of Peter Choi as Director of Sport Growth (Coastal & Indoors / eSports) and Theo Simko as Chief of Staff to our team. 

Peter Choi brings a wealth of experience in rowing and Beach Sprints, and will play a key role in driving the new Olympic discipline forward. Peter Choi was a 2022 Beach Sprints National Team member and won bronze in the Mixed Quadruple Sculls with coxswain at the World Rowing Beach Sprints Finals. Peter was also the de facto coxswain alternate for the PR3 Mixed Four for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. 

"This [Director of Sports Growth role] isn’t just about getting flatwater rowers to try coastal or indoor rowing. It’s about redefining what it even means to be a rower,” said Peter Choi. “There’s so much we can do to make the sport more engaging, more inclusive, and more fun. My job isn’t to push people from one type of rowing to another—it’s to open more doors, to give people more ways to connect with rowing, and to make sure the sport grows in a way that’s sustainable and exciting. We’re at the start of something big, and I’m excited to help make it happen."

Peter brings eleven years of experience in healthcare business strategy and product innovation. As Mass General Brigham/Harvard University Hospital System’s Managing Director of the MESH (Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare) Incubator, he has helped launch 10 new spin-out companies and patents. He received his bachelors from Emory University, masters in neuroscience and education from Columbia University and a masters in bioethics from Harvard Medical School. His expertise in leadership, innovation, and rowing experience will be instrumental in pushing rowing forward. 

A former coxswain and rower, Theo Simko’s experience with nonprofit organizations focused on a mission-driven ethos to amplify impact is an exciting addition to the USRowing staff. Theo previously worked at Foley Hoag Energy & Climate group to support its goal to accelerate the clean energy transition and unlock renewable energy development. 

Theo Simko stated "I am incredibly excited to join USRowing as Chief of Staff and work alongside such a passionate and dedicated team. The sport of rowing has had a profound impact on my life, and I’m committed to contributing to its continued growth and success. I look forward to working with our team, the USRowing Board, and stakeholders to drive positive change across the sport."

Theo previously worked at MassChallenge, a zero-equity global startup accelerator, working with early stage startups and entrepreneurs who were looking to solve big challenges. He graduated from Wesleyan and was a member of their rowing team. His skills will play a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives and supporting the leadership team in advancing USRowing's mission and goals.

In addition to our two new hires, Lori McBride has been promoted to Chief Development Officer with Jasper Liu moving to Director Of Development. After 10 years in membership, Jules Zane is moving to a new position as Director of Experience & Partnership Marketing. Chris Furlow was named Director of Member Experience/Learning & Development.

About USRowing

USRowing is the national governing body for rowing in the United States, dedicated to promoting and developing rowing at all levels, from juniors to elite competition. With a membership base of 1400 member organizations and 77,000+ individuals, USRowing provides theoretical and practical education programs that strengthen and grow rowing while helping members achieve their goals. The national governing body works closely with international rowing bodies to represent the United States at the highest levels of competition, including the World Rowing Championships, Olympic and Paralympic Games.