Irvine, CA – July 8, 2024 – USA Water Polo is pleased to announce the appointment of Jamie Davis as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1. Davis’ appointment was unanimously approved at a recent meeting of the USA Water Polo Board of Directors. This follows the previously announced retirement of Christopher Ramsey, who has served as CEO since 2006, leading the organization through a period of significant growth and success.
Davis brings extensive experience in Olympic sports, merchandising, media and financial services plus a proven track record of leadership and innovation. Currently the CEO of USA Volleyball, Davis will depart the organization in late September after a stellar eight-year run. His expertise will be pivotal as USA Water Polo continues to build on its foundation of success and work towards new milestones in the sport.
While at USA Volleyball, Davis grew membership from 339,000 in 2017 to 435,000 this year while also delivering the largest surplus in the organization’s history, increasing assets from $3.2 million to $35 million. In addition, Davis established a host of key partnerships within the volleyball world and developed a variety of new revenue streams, including digital academies, consumer product licensing, and e-commerce.
“We are excited to welcome Jamie Davis to the USA Water Polo team,” said Bill Smith, Chair of the USA Water Polo Board of Directors. “Jamie’s vision and leadership will be instrumental in guiding the organization into its next chapter. We are confident that his contribution will drive USA Water Polo to new heights”
“Jamie and I have worked together in the Olympic movement for many years, and I admire what he has done for USA Volleyball. His experience, judgment and skill set will be good for water polo. And Jamie will benefit from a rising tide, buoyed by an engaged community, capable staff, and a clear vision from the board of directors leading into the LA Games in ’28,” added Ramsey.
“I am honored to join USA Water Polo and look forward to working with the talented athletes, coaches, staff, and the wider water polo community,” said Davis. “Together, we will continue to promote the growth and excellence of this sport.”
“Jamie will be a great addition to USA Water Polo, and we are excited to work with him to build upon a foundation of competitive excellence and athlete support on the road to the LA28 Games and beyond,” said Sarah Hirshland, USOPC CEO. “Jamie’s experience in the Olympic Movement, and in sports globally, has made him well-positioned to lead from day one, and we wish him the best as he takes on this new position.”
Prior to his time with USA Volleyball, Davis was President at Fanatics, Inc., the world’s largest online retailer of licensed sports merchandise. That followed time as President of the Comcast owned Versus Network and more than a decade in Asia with The News Corporation and ESPN in a variety of roles integral within sports and entertainment. He started his career in finance, holding positions at Fox Sports, CBS Sports and Deloitte.
The organization extends its gratitude to Christopher Ramsey for his dedication and contributions who will serve as a consultant providing a seamless transition in this critical role.
About USA Water Polo
USA Water Polo, Inc., is the national governing body for water polo in America, overseeing our United States Olympic program as well as 20 championship events annually, such as Junior Olympics and Masters National Championships. With more than 50,000 members, USAWP also is the sanctioning authority for more than 500 member clubs and more than 400 tournaments nationwide. USAWP is committed to the development of the sport throughout the U.S., fostering grass-roots expansion while providing a national system of affiliated clubs, certified coaches, and officials. For more information, visit www.usawaterpolo.org
