US Field Hockey News

U.S. Field Hockey Names Shelia Walker Executive Director

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Shelia Walker

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The United States Field Hockey Association Board of Directors has named former chief U.S. Olympic Committee sport development officer Sheila Walker as executive director.

Walker replaces Amy Frankenstein who resigned in July after heading the Association since 2001. Walker is scheduled to begin her duties with U.S. Field Hockey Aug. 18.

“I am very thrilled to be able to work with U.S. Field Hockey at this very important time in developing our teams for successful competition at the international, World Championship, and Olympic levels,” said Walker. “I am also honored the Board of U.S. Field Hockey has given me this opportunity to serve the athletes, coaches, volunteers, staff and followers of field hockey.

Having played, coached and officiated field hockey myself, I have very special feelings for the sport and those associated with it.”

“I am impressed with the innovative development programs U.S. Field Hockey has created and look forward to forging new programs that will attract more players to the sport, ” added Walker.

The USOC’s Senior Director for Sport Development from 1997-2000, Walker directed all phases of the U.S. Olympic Festival while creating, administering and marketing programs and partnerships in the areas of coaching and athlete development, drug education, disabled sports services and education services. She began working for the USOC in 1982, and served the organization in additional leadership roles in the areas of operations and national events and conference

She most recently served as president and chief executive officer of Prestige Project Management Group, a project consulting and marketing company specializing in sports.

“Sheila Walker brings to the United States Field Hockey Association a wealth of experience and ability which is difficult to match,” said U.S. Field Hockey President Sharon Taylor. “In the 15 years I had opportunity to observe her roles in the USOC, I developed admiration for her leadership style and her ability to get the job done with class. The prospect of working with Sheila, for U.S. Field Hockey, is one that I am looking forward to with great anticipation; she will be an outstanding executive director.