The USET Foundation Board of Trustees has elected Kristi Mitchem to serve as its president and CEO effective Sept. 1. Mitchem will replace W. James McNerney while McNerney, who held the positions for seven years, continues his role as chairman of the USET Foundation Board of Trustees, a position he’s held since 2019.
As the philanthropic partner to USEF, the USET Foundation is responsible for helping provide the necessary resources to maintain U.S. equestrian competitive excellence on the world stage. In the president and CEO roles, Mitchem will be responsible for furthering support of this mission.
“Kristi [Mitchem] brings a remarkable blend of passion for high-performance sport and a proven track record in business and financial leadership,” McNerney said. “Her appointment marks an exciting generational shift that will engage a new wave of donors and enthusiasts who share our dedication to the development of talented, hard-working athletes through the pathway programs. As we look ahead to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, I have every confidence that Kristi’s vision and expertise will propel the USET Foundation and our United States Equestrian Teams to new heights, ensuring our athletes are supported at every level in this country’s quest for sustained competitive excellence on the world stage.”
Mitchem was elected to the USET Foundation Board of Trustees in June 2022 and to the Executive Committee in January 2024. She has also been an active member of its Finance and Investment Committees since 2022.
Professionally, Mitchem is one of three managing partners at the wealth management firm &Partners. She was previously the CEO and head of the Bank of Montreal Global Asset Management, the bank’s asset management division. Prior to that role, she served as the CEO of Wells Fargo Asset Management and has more than 20 years of experience in related positions at State Street Corporation, BlackRock and Goldman Sachs.
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Mitchem’s passion for high performance equestrian sport stems from her daughter Caroline Mawhinney’s riding career. A talented up-and-coming show jumping athlete, Mawhinney has participated in several USEF High Performance Pathway Programs including the North American Youth Championships and twice represented the U.S. at the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final.
“As an avid supporter of U.S. equestrian teams and athletes, I’m thrilled to take on the role of president and CEO of the USET Foundation and excited to leverage my work experience in a way that will contribute to the sport,” Mitchem said. “I’m extremely grateful for everything that the USET Foundation has provided to my daughter Caroline, and I’m delighted that I can give back.
“I aim to continue Jim [McNerney]’s legacy,” added Mitchem. “He’s done an amazing job serving the foundation and promoting the sport in an inclusive way that binds people to the organization’s mission.”
For more information, visit the USET Foundation.
