COLORADO SPRINGS, CO—USA Swimming today announced that Natalie Coughlin, 12-time Olympic medalist and long-time member of the organization’s Board of Directors, will step down as Chair of the Board, effective early November 2025.

Coughlin has proudly served the USA Swimming Board since 2016, volunteering her time to various capacities, including most recently as Chair, where she helped guide the organization through a period of strategic renewal and executive leadership transition. Throughout her tenure, she provided her unique perspective as an athlete, parent, and business leader to several key initiatives, including the National Team Managing Director Task Force and the CEO Search Task Force, which resulted in the appointment of current CEO Kevin Ring earlier this year. She will remain engaged with the organization as a member of USA Swimming’s National Team Steering Committee.

“The opportunity to serve USA Swimming and our community has been an incredible honor for me,” said Coughlin. “I first joined the USA Swimming family as an age group swimmer, rose through the sport as a competitive athlete, and ultimately became a long-time member of the National Team. I volunteered for USA Swimming out of immense gratitude for what the sport has done for my life. I wanted to share that knowledge as a contribution back to the sport and actively support its progression moving forward. I’m deeply proud of the work the Board has done in service to all of our athletes, coaches, clubs, and volunteers. I have complete confidence in Kevin Ring’s vision for the future of USA Swimming and Greg Meehan’s leadership of the National Team, and I believe this is the right moment in time for me to step aside. While I will continue to volunteer and support the swimming community, I am excited to focus on my family and being a swim mom to my two young kids.”

During Coughlin’s time on the Board, USA Swimming achieved several landmark successes, including the vision and execution of bringing the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming, presented by Lilly, to Lucas Oil Stadium in 2024. The event marked the first time an NFL stadium hosted a swim meet, setting multiple attendance and revenue records and showcasing the organization’s bold approach to elevating its premier events ahead of the LA28 Games.

“Natalie has been an invaluable leader and ambassador for USA Swimming,” said Kevin Ring, USA Swimming CEO. “Her steady guidance, collaborative spirit, and passion for athlete development have helped strengthen the organization’s governance and long-term strategy. The principles she helped establish will continue to guide the Board and our entire community as we enter this next critical chapter for the sport.”

Coughlin was a driving force in strengthening the athlete voice within USA Swimming’s governance. She championed efforts to ensure that athletes, and the coaches who serve them, remain front of mind throughout the organization’s strategic planning and program development, helping USA Swimming stay grounded in its mission to support performance and participation at every level of the sport.

USA Swimming’s Athlete Advisory Council will appoint an athlete to fulfill the remainder of Coughlin’s term and the Board of Directors will elect a new Board Chair in the coming weeks.