Summer Reading: Six Books Boustead’s Dan McClory Recommends on Leadership

by usatffadmin | Aug 31, 2020 | News

While summer may be in full swing, and in fact moving dangerously close to Labor Day, many of us are spending more time at home in the “New Ab-Normal” of Covid-19. There is however, one activity that’s always great to do this time of year, Covid-19 or not – reading!

Below Boustead Securities, LLC (“Boustead”) Managing Director and Head of China & Equity Capital Markets, Dan McClory, shares his summer reading list filled with informative and inspiring books authored by established leaders who are his friends and fellow Directors on the USA Track & Field Foundation Board, sharing their business insights and life lessons.

1. Market Mover: Lessons From A Decade of Change at NASDAQ by Robert Greifeld

If you move in the world of finance, it goes without saying that Dan’s friend Bob Greifeld’s account of his 13-year tenure as CEO and chairman of NASDAQ is a must-read. Greifeld “details his transformation of Nasdaq from a fledgling U.S. equities market to a global financial technology company including seeing the company through one of the most mercurial economic periods in history: the Bernie Madoff mega-scandal; Facebook’s tumultuous and disastrous IPO; Hurricane Sandy’s disruption of the world’s financial hub; the implosion of America’s housing market and the global economic crash that followed. Each chapter focuses on a headline-making event and ends with a prescriptive takeaway to impart to his readers.” Greifeld is the Founding Chairman of the USA Track & Field Foundation Board of Directors, and under his leadership since 2006, the USATF Foundation has awarded $6.7 million to 406 elite athletes with a remarkable number of 1,015 grants.

2. To Be A Runner: How Racing Up Mountains, Running with the Bulls, Or Just Taking on a 5-K Makes You a Better Person and the World a Better Place by Martin Dugard

For all the runners out there, those looking to fall in love with running, or simply interested in an engrossing and adventurous read, you’ll find yourself absorbed in Martin Dugard’s fast-paced world.

“With an exuberant mix of passion, insight, instruction, and humor, bestselling author and lifelong runner Dugard takes a journey through the world of running to illustrate how the sport helps us fulfill that universal desire to be the best possible version of ourselves each and every time we lace up our shoes.

To Be a Runner represents a new way to write about running by bridging the chasm between the two categories of running books: how-to and personal narrative. Spinning colorful stories of his running and racing adventures on six continents, Dugard considers what it means to truly integrate running into one’s life. As entertaining as it is provocative, To Be a Runner is about far more than running: It is about life, and how we should live it.”

In addition to To Be a Runner, New York Times bestselling author Martin Dugard is the co-author of Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy, Killing Jesus, Killing Patton, Killing Reagan, and Killing the Rising Sun, written with noted television personality Bill O’Reilly. To date, there are more than twelve million copies of these books in print. Dugard leads the ODP for the USA Track & Field Foundation Board, where he focuses on growing youth distance running in America, and serves as track and cross country coach at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Southern California.

3. Dirty Little Secrets by Louis Carr

As President of Media Sales for BET Networks, Carr has generated $8 billion in revenue over his 33-year career with the network. In Dirty Little Secrets, Carr shares many of the lessons he’s learned on how to excel both professionally and personally. “As you know, information has value, which is the reason many people are disinclined to share it…Dirty Little Secrets is my way of sharing one valuable lesson after another that can help you succeed.” He is one of the longest-serving Directors of the USA Track & Field Foundation. Carr was an outstanding 400-meter sprinter and he ran on the Chicago-area high school team that set the world indoor record for the mile relay. He competed as a scholarship track athlete at Drake University, which named him last month to its Board of Trustees. Carr founded the Louis Carr Internship Foundation in 2003 to improve diversity in corporate America through paid summer internships. Since its inception, his namesake Foundation has helped secure 179 internships for students of color, 55 of whom have garnered full-time employment opportunities in the communications industry.

4. Clearing Hurdles: The Quest to Be the World’s Greatest Athlete by Dan O’Brien

Dan O’Brien knows a thing or two about overcoming great obstacles. In this riveting memoir, O’Brien shares his challenging upbringing through to his record-breaking Olympic career as a decathlete. “Only one man, the Olympic Gold Medalist in the decathlon, is officially deemed the World’s Greatest Athlete.” O’Brien is the first decathlete in history to win three consecutive world championships, and win five national championships in total. At the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, he became the oldest decathlete to ever win an Olympic gold medal. “Clearing Hurdles also offers a window into the world of the decathlon and an inside look at some of its most influential athletes. In addition to his extraordinary career, O’Brien offers an insiders view of some of the greatest Olympic decathletes — of Bill Toomey the intellectual artist, Milt Campbell the most inspirational, and Bruce Jenner as the man most driven.” In addition to his leadership position on the USA Track & Field Foundation Board of Directors, O’Brien is a TV personality and color commentator, motivational speaker, and coach.

5. Three Weeks with my Brother by Nicholas Sparks and Micah Sparks

A fitting read for the current times, this book is an excellent reminder about embracing uncertainty and appreciating the things that matter most in life.

“Against the backdrop of the wonders of the world and often overtaken by their feelings, daredevil Micah and the more serious, introspective Nicholas recalled their rambunctious childhood adventures and the tragedies that tested their faith. And in the process, they discovered startling truths about loss, love and hope. Narrated with irrepressible humor and rare candor, and including personal photographs, Three Weeks with my Brother reminds us to embrace life with all its uncertainties. . . and most of all, to cherish the joyful times, both small and momentous, and the wonderful people who make them possible.”

Nicholas serves on the USA Track & Field Foundation Board from his base in coastal North Carolina. A former full scholarship college athlete (he still holds a track and field record at his alma mater, the University of Notre Dame) he also spent four years coaching track and field athletes at his local public high school. In 2009, the team he coached at New Bern High School set a World Junior Indoor Record in the 4×400 meter relay, in New York. The record still stands.

Nicholas is one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. All of his books have been New York Times bestsellers, with over 105 million copies sold worldwide, in more than 50 languages, including over 75 million copies in the United States alone.

6. What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence by Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO and Co-founder of Blackstone

Steve Schwarzman chronicles his journey from folding handkerchiefs in his father’s linen shop to building the leading global financial institution. Schwarzman shares significant milestones in his life to “show readers how to build, transform, and lead thriving organizations. Schwarzman’s story is an empowering, entertaining, and informative guide for anyone striving for greater personal impact. From dealmaking to investing, leadership to entrepreneurship, philanthropy to diplomacy, Schwarzman has lessons for how to think about ambition and scale, risk and opportunities, and how to achieve success through the relentless pursuit of excellence. Schwarzman not only offers readers a thoughtful reflection on all his own experiences, but in doing so provides a practical blueprint for success.” Schwarzman was a standout sprinter on his suburban Philadelphia high school track team and his philanthropic impact on the sport today through his innovative “Stephen A. Schwarzman Grants” to the USA Track & Field Foundation are without parallel worldwide. “As a former track & field athlete and an avid fan of the sport, I am proud to support our nation’s most promising athletes as they train and compete at the highest possible level,” said Schwarzman, who is Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone. “I look forward to watching these athletes reach new heights as they represent the United States at the Olympics and World Championships.”

“Through the support of generous donors like Stephen Schwarzman, a record 31 USATF Foundation grantees competed in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, with seven athletes bringing home nine Olympic medals,” said USATF Foundation Executive Director Tom Jackovic.

Barry Sloane Named to USATF Foundation Board of Directors

by usatffadmin | Aug 13, 2020 | News

PITTSBURGH – Barry Sloane has been named a Director of the USA Track & Field Foundation Board, USATF Foundation CEO Tom Jackovic and Chairman Bob Greifeld announced today.

Mr. Sloane founded Newtek Business Services Corp. (NASDAQ: NEWT) in 1998 and has served as President, Chairman and CEO for over 20 years. Newtek Business Services Corp. is the largest non-bank government guaranteed lender in the United States with over 100,000 business accounts throughout its various lines of service in technology, payment processing, insurance and payroll. Prior to Newtek, Mr. Sloane had a 13-year Wall Street Career as firms such as Smith Barney, Inc., Bear Stearns, L.F. Rothschild, E.F. Hutton and Paine Webber. Mr. Sloane holds a bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude from The University of Buffalo and an M.B.A. in Finance from New York University. Mr. Sloane currently resides in Hollywood, FL.

“Barry Sloane is one of the most engaged, focused and hardworking CEO’s in the financial and business services industry.  He started Newtek (NEWT:NASDAQ) from a spare bedroom in an NYC apartment and today it has been one of the best performing Business Development Corporations (“BDC’s”) in the public markets providing solutions to over 100,000 US-based businesses.  Through his passion, leadership and endless energy, he has recruited a team of professionals that have developed one of the most vibrant and growing business support and financial services platforms in the public sector.  Barry will bring great value to the USATF Foundation’s Board of Directors and our continued efforts to enable USA “elite track & field athletes” with the opportunity to fulfill their goals,” stated Foundation Director Wayne Vandenburg.

USA Track & Field Foundation awards Adopt an Athlete grant to Rebecca Mehra

by usatffadmin | Aug 12, 2020 | News

PITTSBURGH – The USATF Foundation is proud to announce the newest member of the Adopt an Athlete grant program, 1500m runner – Rebecca Mehra. The Adopt an Athlete program gives donors and fans of track & field a unique opportunity to support an individual athlete in a discipline they are passionate about.  The funding for the Adopt an Athlete program changes the life of an athlete while simultaneously helping elevate the sport.

The funding for Mehra’s grant was donated by generous and passionate fans, Randy and Nancy Paynter.  This pivotal support from the Paynter family provides incremental funding to the athlete and allows the Foundation to further move the needle on its mission.  “We are happy to have been able to support such an elite athlete such as Rebecca, whose commitment to excellence inspires us all. Her star shines bright, and provides a beacon for younger runners looking for a bit of inspiration during today’s uncertain times.”

Mehra spent her college career at Stanford, where she battled injuries throughout her undergraduate career. Regardless of the struggles, she was still able to produce impressive results and times at a high level. It wasn’t until her 5th year where she really turned heads and realized her potential as a professional athlete.  With a 6th place finish at the 2017 NCAA Championships and a nearly 6 second personal record, Mehra quickly gained notoriety, and signed with Oiselle. In 2018 she moved to Bend, OR where she currently competes for the Littlewing Athletics team and is coached by legendary runner Lauren Fleshman.

Not only is Mehra a stand-out athlete, but like most Stanford graduates, she is an outstanding member of her community. Equipped with a degree in International Relations, Mehra was hoping to work in public policy, and had experience working in various policy roles including at the United Nations and the US Department of State. After graduating, she had a job lined up with a venture capital firm but couldn’t pass up the opportunity of running professionally.

Mehra’s story is a perfect example of how the USATF Foundation’s Adopt an Athlete program can have a positive impact on an athlete’s professional journey.  While on her way to a 1000m time trial, Rebecca received the information that she would be receiving this grant. She was equally surprised and thrilled that she received a grant at this level. Shortly after, Rebecca ran a personal record in her time trial, fueled by her excitement. Rebecca has enjoyed the new relationship with the Paynter family, forming a bond with Nancy’s daughter, who is a distance runner at the high school level. Rebecca has embraced the opportunity to be a mentor, and emphasized the fact that this grant has not only helped her fund her training and recovery, but helped her build lasting relationships that shape both her character, and the young athlete she is mentoring.

“I am very grateful to the USATF Foundation for this opportunity, and all that they do to support elite athletes in our sport. The Adopt an Athlete grant is so unique, and I am excited to be paired with the Paynter family, and have the chance to get to know and mentor Lucy!” exclaimed Rebecca Mehra.

USATF Foundation celebrates $6.7 million in Elite Grants Awarded to Athletes

by usatffadmin | Aug 11, 2020 | News

PITTSBURGH – As the USA Track & Field Foundation closes on its 15th year of fundraising and grant distribution, it is important to highlight how the Foundation has grown and the impact it’s had on the sport of Track & Field and the athletes involved. The goal of the USATF Foundation has always been to “raise money and give it to athletes.”  Through the years, the Foundation has annually supported almost all levels of competitors from Olympic medal contenders to Youth Clubs and ODP program participants. This pipeline of support ultimately assists in the development of Team USA, the World’s #1 Track & Field Team.

Board Chairman Bob Greifeld and the USATF Foundation Board have provided the resources and leadership to create a unique fundraising entity in the Olympic family of sports.  “What Bob Greifeld and our Directors have accomplished is unprecedented,” said USATF Foundation CEO, Tom Jackovic.  “They have a true passion for Track & Field and have helped numerous athletes realize their dreams.  It’s a special group of individuals.”

The USATF Foundation is also extraordinary when comparing the amount of private support given in other countries.  No other country in the world has citizens supporting their Olympic team through philanthropy like we have been able to do here in the USA.  It’s a tradition that the USATF Foundation will continue to exemplify.

The Foundation continues to grow year after year as evidenced by the record number of athletes supported and grants awarded (over 150 grants) in 2020. Other accomplishments of note include:

• Since 2006, the USATF Foundation has awarded $6.7 million to 406 elite athletes with a remarkable number of 1,015 grants.
• At the World Championship and Olympic level, the Foundation has supported nearly half of all competition spots, covering 233 athletes out of a total of 548 spots.
• At the Olympic levels, 21 individual grantees have won an Olympic medal, and grantees have been a part of 10 Olympic relay medals.
• In World Championship meets, the grantees have won 74 individual medals and 48 relay team medals.
• Foundation grantees have also broken an incredible amount of World and American records, besting prior marks 45 times in indoor and outdoor competitions.

The Foundation grants have been used by athletes in a variety of ways ranging from travel expenses and equipment, coaching, sports medicine and everyday expenses.

Mission Statement

To support the development of emerging elite athletes, while fostering integration within the broader track & field community. To facilitate the physical, educational, social and character development of youth track & field athletes and to help prepare them to mature and succeed in adult life.