Two-time Olympian Maggie Shea appointed as the first executive director of Chicago Yacht Club Foundation
by Laura Muma 6 Dec 09:32 PST
ChicagoRegatta SLES © CYC Foundation
Maggie Shea, CYC Foundation Executive Director © CYC Foundation
The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation has introduced Maggie Shea, a two-time Olympic sailor and native of Chicago, as its first executive director.
The Foundation aims to engage youth from underrepresented communities in the Chicagoland area with boating and related activities, providing them with opportunities for growth and learning by Lake Michigan.
Shea competed alongside Wisconsin native Stephanie Roble in the 49er FX class at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, finishing in 10th place in Paris. A lifelong sailor from Wilmette, she began racing in the Chicago Yacht Club’s junior sailing program and developed a passion for sailing while racing and cruising with family on Lake Michigan.
“Boating, whether for fun or competition, fosters leadership, resilience, and confidence—essential life skills that transcend the sport,” noted Shea. “I am thrilled to join the CYC Foundation team to give back to the sport and community that have enriched my life. We plan to expand the Foundation’s impact and reach more youth in Chicagoland.”
To fulfill the CYC Foundation’s mission to share the joys of boating broadly, the organization depends on financial support to run its programs and reach more youth. Currently, the Foundation is conducting its Annual Appeal, which funds programs for the upcoming year. Donate now to the CYC Foundation to help more youths from Chicagoland enjoy the water this summer and beyond.
Shea brings a wealth of organizational leadership experience coupled with impressive sailing credentials. As a former director of the Chicago Match Race Center, she played a crucial role in attracting premier international competitions to Lake Michigan. Her peers selected her to represent sailing on the Team USA Athletes’ Commission and she served as a director on the US Sailing Board of Directors from 2020 to 2024.
Shea successfully balanced these leadership responsibilities while competing full-time on the 49er FX World Cup circuit, where the Roble/Shea Olympic team needed to fundraise for their competition costs, manage corporate sponsorships, and build individual donor support. Her dedication and drive will enable the CYC Foundation to strategically leverage the sailing community for positive change.
“We have witnessed remarkable growth in our programs and have encountered significant demand from youth and partners seeking greater access to Chicago’s lakefront,” said CYC Foundation President Greg Miarecki. “We impacted nearly 2,000 youth in 2024, and under Maggie’s guidance, we anticipate further expanding our capacity to serve many more youth in the future.”
