Renee Chube Washington, C’84

Biography

Chief Operating Officer, USA Track & Field
J.D., Georgetown University Law Center
B.A., Spelman College
Spelman College Board of Trustees: Elected in 2025

Renee Chube Washington, as chief operating officer of USA Track & Field, has played a pivotal role in driving the organization's historic success, including at the recent Paris 2024 Olympic Games where the team won 34 medals – their best performance since 1984. She manages the organization’s record $40 million budget and 60-person national staff.

Her leadership has been instrumental in propelling USATF to new heights, both in performance and operational efficiency. Alongside the CEO, she develops and implements corporate strategy and direction.

Washington has broad cross-enterprise oversight of all departments, including High Performance Programs, Events and Broadcast/Entertainment Properties, Merchandise, Legal, Revenue and Marketing, Communications, Grassroots Outreach and Youth, Finance and Revenue.  

In addition to those duties, she has a key role in contract negotiations and vendor agreements; manages oversight of travel and transportation for staff, constituents, athletes; and with the CEO, is a key liaison for the board of directors and acts as the primary contact with international and regional federations.

Moreover, Washington plays a pivotal role in making USATF the most diverse and inclusive National Governing Body in the U.S. Olympic Movement. It is the only NGB with a Black CEO, Black COO, and women in the CMO/CRO, CFO and CCO positions. By implementing hiring practices that value diversity and inclusion across all departments, levels, and backgrounds, USATF’s professional environment now better reflects and represents its athletes and community.

Washington's professional excellence has been recognized on numerous occasions. She was named a 2024 World Athletics Woman of the Year, a 2024 WISE Women of the Year, a 2019 Cynopsis Top Women in Sports, and a 2017 Game Changer by Sports Business Journal. These accolades acknowledge her as an executive who is making a significant impact in the business of sport.

Washington's commitment to social causes is as impressive as her professional achievements. She is a Georgetown University Law graduate and Spelman College alumna, and has served as president of the Junior League of Indianapolis. Her extensive volunteer work includes the Wishard Memorial Hospital's Foundation Board, the Girl Scouts, the American Cancer Society Guild, and numerous educational, cultural, and political causes. She is also a current member of the Board of Directors of The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. She currently resides in Indianapolis.

Why I Serve on the Spelman College Board of Trustees

Spelman has always held a special place in my heart. I view it as a precious jewel – an institution that helped shape me and continues to inspire me. Years after my own journey, watching my daughter matriculate through Spelman reminded me of the enduring values that define this place.

Rooted in principles that empower and uplift humanity, Spelman's mission is timeless. I serve on the Board to give back to the college that gave so much to me and to help ensure future generations continue to be transformed by the Spelman experience.