Adam Andrasko is CEO of USA Synchro in Colorado Springs. As a 2019 Connect Sports Game Changer, he discusses his passion for sports tourism.

*Connect with Andrasko on Instagram and Twitter. 

What I do: I have the privilege of leading one of our country’s 50 Olympic sports organizations. It is a role that requires a strong understanding of business efficiencies, customer service, promotion, events operation, marketing and sustaining a national team. The challenges are there, but the rewards are extremely gratifying.

How I got here: I graduated from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and Old Dominion University. Both helped me launch my career, but it was the United States Collegiate Athletic Association that awarded me a graduate assistant position, afforded me a great deal of responsibility and ultimate set me on my path. From the USCAA, I was fortunate to obtain an internship at the United States Olympic Committee, which turned into a position at the Olympic Training Center. After seven years with the USOC, USA Field Hockey had a position open and it turned out to be a great fit for me. Three years in my role prepared me for the opportunities that I now have at USA Synchro. 

Event I am proud of organizing: Early in my career I led a small team that developed promotions and packages that built an incredible international awareness event in our country. That event is Olympic Day. The impact and reach of that event is something that I’m not sure I will be a part of again.

Impressive stats: We have set in motion a plan through SafeSport to increase the number of background-screened members by more than 700.

What’s next? The goal is for our team to return to the Olympic Games for the first time since 2008. On the operational side, we continue to learn and improve in all areas: education, membership, events, communication fundraising and more. It can’t be one thing, because every part has to work for us to be successful.