Charles Hamlin is New Executive Director of NRF

Charles Hamlin is the new Executive Director of NRF.

In a press release on 27 January the National Rowing Foundation (NRF) announced that Charles Hamlin will join the NRF as its Executive Director effective immediately. NRF writes:

Hamlin will be responsible for directing the NRF’s strategies and operations in fulfilling its mission to support the development of all national team athletes who represent the U.S. in international and Olympic competition.

‘We are excited to have Charlie join the NRF as its Executive Director], stated Jamie Koven, co-chair of the NRF. ‘As USRowing, our sport’s national governing body, and hundreds of dedicated athletes focus their efforts and resources on preparing for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, the NRF needed a strong leader able to drive the fund raising programs that will help to ensure our teams will be competitive.’ Marcia Hooper, co-chair of the NRF added, ‘Charlie’s career in marketing, sales and entrepreneurial management coupled with his long participation in and knowledge of rowing bode well for the NRF’s ability to raise the funds that will enhance our teams’ competitiveness throughout this upcoming Olympic quadrennial’.

‘It is all about ensuring that our athletes have the opportunity to win against the best in the world,’ stated Charles Hamlin. He continued, ‘To be competitive and win medals at the international level will take more than the commitment of our athletes; it will take financial support of our donors. I look forward to working with the staff and Board of the NRF, our colleagues at USRowing and all those who love the sport to ensure that our national teams have the best coaching, equipment, facilities, and international racing opportunities to be successful’.

Hamlin has been an active and competitive member of the rowing community for nearly four decades. He was a collegiate champion at Harvard, three-time national team member, and a member of the 1968 Olympic team; he is a successful masters oarsman here and in Europe. He has been a board member of the Norwalk River Rowing Association, Upper Thames Rowing Club (UK) and Cambridge Boat Club. Mr. Hamlin’s career includes executive positions at Mercer Management Consulting, Mullen Advertising, National Family Opinion, Insight Express, Van Wagner Media, and Cambridge Water Technology. He currently is the varsity boy’s crew coach at Groton School, Mass. He is married to Ellen Kennelly, a 10-time winner of the Head of the Charles Regatta and avid rower.