The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation has announced the appointment of two-time Olympian and US Sailing Team Athlete, Maggie Shea, as its first-ever Executive Director. Shea’s appointment follows a period of unprecedented growth for the CYC Foundation, which, under a new strategic plan, has expanded its reach to serve nearly 2,000 Chicagoland youth annually through boating, sailing, and water-related programs that inspire and empower. A decorated sailor and lifelong member of the Chicago sailing community, Shea brings extensive leadership experience, and an enduring commitment to youth engagement to this role.
“Achieving my Olympic dream was possible because I found myself at a fortunate intersection of opportunity and access to resources,” said Shea. “I was born into a sailing family and surrounded by a community of generous individuals. My grit, discipline, and perseverance allowed me to take advantage of the favorable conditions. But without my head start, I could not have fathomed a path to the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. Now, working with the team at the CYC Foundation, I want to help knock down the barriers to entry that I had help to overcome.”
Shea’s journey in sailing began on Lake Michigan, where she learned on her family’s boat, WINDANCER, and honed her skills through Chicago Yacht Club’s junior sailing program in 420’s and Laser Radials. While sailing for Connecticut College, she served as team captain and earned All-American Honorable Mention recognition. Shea’s college career set a strong foundation for her future as a high-performance athlete.
In 2008, she first entered the Olympic scene, gaining experience at the Laser Radial Olympic Trials. After college, Shea joined forces with Stephanie Roble, and they competed in the 2012 Olympic Trials and eventually won the Women’s International Match Racing Series. Roble and Shea’s success in match racing sparked their interest in Olympic sailing and laid the groundwork for their future pursuits in the 49erFX. At the same time, Shea’s dedication as Chicago Match Race Center’s Sailing Director solidified her influence in professional sailing.
Shea is a two-time Olympian, having represented Team USA in the 49erFX class with Roble at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics. Their accomplishments include silver and bronze medals at the Pan American Games, a bronze medal from the 2020 World Championship, and a top 10 finish at the Paris Olympics, placing them among the world’s elite. As a US Sailing Team athlete, Shea continues to inspire the next generation of sailors, embodying the determination and resilience that define her storied career.
While competing, Shea was elected by her peers to represent sailing on the Team USA Athletes’ Commission, the Sailor Athlete Council, and also serve as a director on the US Sailing Board of Directors from 2020-2024.
Chicago Yacht Club Foundation President Greg Miarecki expressed his enthusiasm, citing her connection to the organization’s mission and her vision for its future. “Maggie’s leadership will be transformative,” Miarecki said. “Her expertise and passion for inspiring youth are exactly what the Foundation needs as we continue to reach new heights in our mission.”
Shea said she looks forward to bringing the skills she’s gained competing on the global stage back to her Chicago roots, where it all began. The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation is poised to expand its high-impact programs and continue fostering a love for sailing and boating among Chicago’s youth, reinforcing the Foundation’s role as a leader in community engagement and youth empowerment through sport.
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About the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation
The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation exists to bring the joys and benefits of boating to all, with a primary focus on youth from underrepresented communities. Through nautical education programs, grants & scholarships and partnerships with community organizations across Chicagoland, the CYC Foundation produces a robust set of on- and off-the-water programs that serve this mission. Founded in 1992, the CYC Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization governed by a 14-member volunteer Board of Directors. The Foundation has experienced dramatic growth over the past few years, increasing the number of youth impacted from nearly 400 in 2022 to more than 1500 in 2024, and adding new programs to its traditional boating portfolio including swim lesson support and scholarships for postsecondary education. The organization is poised to significantly increase its outreach and impact with the addition of a full-time executive director. For more information, visit chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org.
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About US Sailing
The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), certified by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing in the United States, is dedicated to leading, advancing, supporting, and ensuring integrity in sailing at every level. Founded in 1897, US Sailing, now serving over 35,000 members as well as over 1,500 yacht clubs and sailing centers, offers training and certifications for sailors, instructors, and race officials, oversees national championships, manages offshore ratings, conducts regional and national events, and spearheads initiatives to increase accessibility. US Sailing also leads the training and development of the US Sailing Team for the Olympic Games and high-performance international competitions, providing comprehensive financial, logistical, coaching, technical, fitness, marketing, and communications support, as well as managing the Team USA athlete selection procedures for the Olympic Games. More at www.ussailing.org.