Join us on the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as host Roy Kessel speaks with Adam Andrasko, CEO of USA Artistic Swimming. In this twelfth episode of the podcast’s seventh season, Roy and Adam discuss Adam’s journey from small-town multi-sport athlete to Olympic sport leader, his path through the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and USA Field Hockey, and the transformation of USA Artistic Swimming’s culture. They explore the organization’s first Olympic medal in 20 years, the growth of its foundation, and the opportunities ahead as LA28 approaches, highlighting the vital role of philanthropy, leadership, and athlete engagement in building the sport’s future.
Adam Andrasko
Adam Andrasko is the CEO of USA Artistic Swimming (USAAS). He has held the position since November of 2018. While in the role, he has worked to stabilize all areas of the organization, develop strong policies and procedures and maximize revenue streams. Those efforts have led to the first Olympic qualification of the USAAS team in 16 years and the first Olympic medal (silver) in 20 years.
Originally from Hawk Run, Pennsylvania, Adam played collegiate football and received his bachelor’s degree in sport administration from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. He then went on to earn his master’s degree in education with a focus in sport management from Old Dominion University. Immediately following graduation, he moved to Colorado Springs to begin an internship with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). Following the internship Adam served the USOPC in Lake Placid, NY. After approximately eight months in that role, he returned to Colorado Springs as the Coordinator, Training Sites and Community Partnerships for the USOPC. In 2013 he was promoted to Manager. In January of 2016 he accepted the Member Services Director position at USA Field Hockey where he spent nearly three years developing his skills in a National Governing Body setting.
Adam also serves on the National Council of Youth Sports Board of Directors, Aquatics Coalition Executive Committee, Association of Chief Executives of Sport Board of Directors, is an advisor for two sport technology companies, GeoSnapShot and Slocoach and is a high school state championship level official in Florida.
USA Artistic Swimming
USA Artistic Swimming is the National Governing Body for the sport of artistic swimming in the United States, responsible for overseeing membership, competitions, rules, education, and athlete development. The organization provides essential resources, including the official rulebook, policies, event calendars, and club directories, helping athletes, coaches, and fans connect with and grow the sport. Dedicated to excellence, USA Artistic Swimming celebrates the unique combination of athletic performance, technical precision, and creative expression that defines the sport.
Through its “We Move As One” campaign, the organization has embraced a modern vision for the sport, moving away from the outdated “water ballet” image and rebranding from “USA Synchronized Swimming” to “USA Artistic Swimming.” This shift reflects the sport’s evolution into a dynamic and competitive discipline that demands strength, endurance, and artistry. The campaign aims to inspire current members and attract new participants by showcasing the beauty, teamwork, and athleticism of artistic swimming.
Supporting this mission, the USA Artistic Swimming Foundation provides critical funding for athletes, coaches, and officials at every level, from grassroots programs to the elite national teams. As a nonprofit, the foundation ensures that philanthropic contributions directly benefit the growth and sustainability of the sport. By fostering opportunities, investing in development, and promoting inclusivity, USA Artistic Swimming and its foundation are shaping the future of artistic swimming in the United States.
0:10 – Adam’s introduction as CEO of USA Artistic Swimming and how he met Roy Kessel
0:58 – Growing up in small-town Pennsylvania and playing multiple sports
2:50 – Why baseball, not football, was Adam’s first sports passion
4:19 – Switching from a biology major to sport management in college
7:29 – How Adam’s career path shifted toward Olympic sports
9:59 – Internship at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and discovering a passion for Olympic sport
12:25 – How a mentor led Adam to join USA Field Hockey
14:12 – Taking over USA Artistic Swimming during a time of crisis
17:50 – The importance of building a positive, athlete-centered culture
19:39 – Celebrating the first Olympic medal in 20 years and looking ahead to LA28
22:21 – The role of the Artistic Swimming Foundation and the need for more trustees
24:53 – How philanthropy can transform the future of artistic swimming
