Benita is an established high profile international leader in the sports and nonprofit industries. A visionary, results-oriented leader and change agent, she has an impressive track record of transforming and growing organizations through innovation, increased revenues and operational excellence. An Olympic gold medalist and accomplished business executive, Benita inspires and motivates high performing teams to achieve world class results. She is a passionate advocate for helping both youth and adults achieve their personal best life.
Benita most recently served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA,where she was charged with advancing the Laureus mission to improve the lives of youth and unite communities through the power of sport. Named a 2019 Notable Women in Sports by Crain’s New York Business and a 2015 Game Changer by the Sports Business Journal, Benita also serves on the International Olympic Committee Women in Sport Commission.
A world-class athlete, Benita won a gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, making her the second American woman and the first African-American woman to accomplish this feat. She was a member of the 1980 and 1984 U.S. Olympic Teams, an alternate on the 1988 U.S. Olympic Team, a gold medalist in the 1983 Pan American Games, an eight-time national champion and a 14-time NCAA All-American.
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