USA Weightlifting CEO to step down in July

Phil Andrews, the CEO of USA Weightlifting, announced he will be stepping down from the position this July.

No successor has been named, but USA Weightlifting said in a statement they are hoping to find his replacement “in time to overlap with Andrews prior to his anticipated departure date.”

“While I look forward to new career challenges, I know I will leave this organization, which I care for so deeply, in great shape with an incredible management team and supportive board,” Andrews said.

“I’m excited to stay involved in the sport. I am proud of my accomplishments over the past 10 years, and I carry a deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve this community.”

Andrews did not elaborate on how he will stay involved in weightlifting.

The England native oversaw a tremendous period of success for USA Weightlifting. Americans earned 23 medals, eight of them gold, at International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships during his time as CEO.

At the Olympics, Sarah Robles won bronze medals at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Summer Games, in the 75kg and 87kg categories, respectively. She became the first American women to win two Olympic medals, while Kate Nye became the first U.S. women’s weightlifter to win an Olympic silver medal when she accomplished the feat in Tokyo last year. Nye was also world champion in 2019.

The men’s team also hit new heights under Andrews’ watch as Harrison Maurus finished fourth in the 81kg class in Tokyo 2020. It was the best finish by an American man since Seoul 1988.

Team USA also won their first-ever medal at the Youth Olympic Games in 2018, a bronze for Peyton Brown in the girls’ 58kg class.

“He leaves a legacy of great achievement,” said USA Weightlifting Board of Directors Chair and President Paula Aranda. “Phil’s executive leadership has guided the organization through both good and challenging times.”

Andrews joined USA Weightlifting in January 2013 and was named CEO in 2016. He served through two Olympic Games and 15 World Championships.