Seven-time Paralympic medalist and two-time Boston Marathon Champion ready to take on leadership role with the Boston Athletic Association
BOSTON – Dr. Cheri Blauwet has been elected as the new Chair of the Board of Governors of the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), succeeding Dr. Michael O’Leary, who has served as Chair for the last six years.
Dr. Blauwet has been a Board member since 2016 and is a marathon champion, winning the Boston Marathon women’s wheelchair division race in 2004 and 2005.
Dr. Blauwet said, “I am honored to have been appointed as the new Board Chair for the Boston Athletic Association. I want to thank Michael for his years of leadership that have put us on a path to further promote our mission and our vision. The B.A.A. is an organization that I have been part of for many years and one that is continuing to make progress in our mission to serve the community, particularly in our work to enhance opportunities for Para and Adaptive athletes. I am approaching this role with enthusiasm, ready to work along with my Board colleagues to support our organizational mission of promoting healthy lifestyles through sport.”
Dr. Blauwet competed in her first marathon in Japan in 2002, and two weeks later won the New York City Marathon, which she would win again the following year. She was also champion of the Los Angeles Marathon four times (2003, 2004, 2005, and 2008). Dr. Blauwet represented the United States at three Paralympic Games, winning a silver (100m) and three bronze medals (200m, 400m, 800m) at the Sydney Games in 2000; and a gold (800m) and two bronze medals (5,000m and marathon) at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. In 2016 she was named one of Boston’s Ten Outstanding Young Leaders by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and has served as an independent director on the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Board of Directors since 2017.
Dr. Blauwet is not only an athletic champion but is a leader in the medical field. She serves as the Chief Medical Officer of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network and is an Associate Professor in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Blauwet is a pioneer and change agent in the field of disability and health equity, with a specific focus on sport and physical activity for health promotion and chronic disease prevention. Her input and experience have and will continue to be a valuable resource to the B.A.A.
Passing the baton to Dr. Blauwet is Dr. Michael O’Leary who has served as Board Chair since 2017. Dr. O’Leary will remain an active Board Member.
“I would like to congratulate Cheri on behalf of the Board and the entire organization,” said Dr. O’Leary. “I have enjoyed my time in this role, and it is a privilege to welcome Cheri into the position as Board Chair. Her athletic prowess and experience across many areas of the sporting world will serve us all well in delivering our goals as an organization.
“I would like to thank all the Board Members for their unwavering support they have shown me, and I know that will carry over to our new Chair.”
The B.A.A. Board of Governors consists of 11 elected members. The role of the Board is to provide guidance to the B.A.A. as well as oversee the business operations of the organization.
ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. manages the Boston Marathon, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming. The 128th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 15, 2024. The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.
