New USA Hockey Treasurer Chris Washburn Applied His Financial Expertise to Initiate a Long-Term Commitment to Volunteering in the Sport He Values
During his childhood in Old Town, Maine, Chris Washburn had to travel 50 miles to reach the nearest rink, which meant he did not participate in organized hockey as a youth.
Although he never skated himself, Washburn developed a passion for the sport, which he has shared with his daughter, Alec, his son, Cameron, and now his granddaughter, Ellie.
“I appreciated the speed of the game and various aspects of watching hockey,” Washburn remarked, who will mark 39 years of marriage to his wife, Glenna, in October. “My son didn’t stand a chance. He would stay up late watching hockey with me and was on skates by the age of 2.”
For nearly three decades, Washburn has been employed as an accountant. He eventually discovered a way to apply his professional expertise to engage more deeply with the sport he cherishes.
At the annual meeting of USA Hockey in June, Washburn was elected as the treasurer of the organization.
“Some days I experience a bit of impostor syndrome because Iβm just a guy from a small town in Maine,” Washburn stated. “Thereβs certainly a lot to absorb, and I anticipate a steep learning curve since USA Hockey is a complex organization, but Iβm looking forward to it. Finance is something Iβve been involved with for nearly 30 years, so this feels like a natural progression for me.”
This is not Washburnβs first experience with a hockey organization. Approximately 30 years ago, while working at a public accounting firm, his manager appointed him as the treasurer of the Maine Amateur Hockey Association.
“I was voluntold and I never left,” he noted.
He subsequently coached at every level, from Learn to Skate programs to high school teams during his tenure with the organization. Washburn remained long enough to assume the presidency in 2006, a position he held for six years.
He later served as USA Hockeyβs New England District representative for finance.
Now, Washburn has attained the treasurer position for all of USA Hockey.
“Iβm a grassroots individual who began with a small local association in Maine that had 125 kids playing for us,” he said. “Itβs remarkable to witness the growth, development, and opportunities that generate such enthusiasm around hockey. I see no reason why we canβt continue to experience that level of growth in the future.”
Washburn is succeeding Donna Guariglia. Last month, USA Hockey recognized Guariglia with the Builders Award, established in 1999 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the long-term growth and success of the organization. Since the inception of the Builders Award, USA Hockey has presented it to only nine individuals.
Washburn is eager to carry on the legacy left by Guariglia.
“[Guariglia] has introduced a great deal of transparency to the organization from a financial standpoint, and my aim is to maintain that and elevate it further,” he said. “I want to ensure our members have all the information necessary to make decisions and manage the organization, as finances are crucial to all of that. We cannot execute any of our programs without solid financial data.”
Washburn commended Guariglia and the finance committee for their guidance in navigating USA Hockey through challenging financial circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Six years later, the United States became the first nation to win Olympic gold medals in both menβs and womenβs hockey, as well as the Paralympic gold medal in sled hockey, all in the same year. USA Hockey also recorded new all-time highs in participation among players (586,002), coaches (68,792), and officials (32,710), and the organization surpassed 100,000 female players for the first time, concluding with 103,324 participants.
“Weβve had strong leadership within the finance committee that has helped us navigate successfully,” Washburn said. “This has led to some significant achievements.”
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.
