LAFAYETTE, Colo. — Weybridge resident Mike McKenna, a former advisor to the Middlebury College Rugby Club and Wesleyan University rugby player, was recently confirmed as a member the USA Rugby Board of Directors.
According to a USA Rugby press release, McKenna’s “extensive experience in creative and brand marketing” will be invaluable to the board.
“McKenna’s inclusion with USA Rugby leadership will prove highly influential as rugby looks to grow its visibility in the American sporting landscape. McKenna will remain a transitional member on the Board over the next 45 days, at which point he will become a fully seated member pending second vote of ratification,” according to a Jan. 18 press release that announced his provisional membership, which has since become permanent.
McKenna is the Founder and Managing Partner of McKenna & Partners, LLC, a strategic communications consultancy. McKenna was formerly the CEO and Chief Creative Officer with the corporate advertising agency, Marsteller, part of the global PR firm Burson Marsteller.
McKenna said he hopes to blend his love of the sport and his business expertise in his new role.
“As a former college and club player, I look forward to combining my passion for the sport and professional experience to help further strengthen our great game both here in the United States and within the international Rugby community,” he said.
McKenna started playing rugby in 1969 with the Beacon Hill club in his native Boston. After playing for Wesleyan, he founded the Old Methodist RFC, Wesleyan’s alumni team, and later played for the New York Athletic Club.
After moving to Vermont he has advised the Middlebury club, a men’s Division II national champions in 2007 and 2008 and a finalist in 2009.
Established in 1975, USA Rugby is the governing body for the sport of rugby in America and a Full Sport Member of the United States Olympic Committee. Currently headquartered in Lafayette, Colo., USA Rugby is charged with developing the game on all levels and has more than 120,000 active members across the youth, high School, college and senior club levels.
USA Rugby oversees four national teams, multiple collegiate and high school All-American sides, and an emerging Olympic development pathway for elite athletes. It also hosts more than 30 national playoff and championship events each year. In 2018, USA Rugby welcomed the world for Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco, the first-ever Rugby World Cup hosted on American soil. More information is available at usarugby.org.