Ashley Walden has been named the next President and CEO of the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority. She succeeds Mike Pratt, who is retiring after over 38 years with the organization. The Olympic Authority’s directors voted to appoint Ms. Walden following a multi-month search.
“Congratulations to Ashley Walden, who brings dedication, leadership and deep sports knowledge to the Olympic Regional Development Authority,” Governor Hochul said. “I want to thank Mike Pratt for his 38 years of dedication and leadership of the Olympic Authority, which have been among the best in the Olympic Authority’s history. Building on the State’s recent generational investments in our Olympic facilities and the successful FISU 2023 World University Games, the future of winter sports in New York State is bright.”
Walden was a successful athlete with USA Luge on the Olympic and World Cup level before transitioning to recent sport leadership roles. She joins the Olympic Authority after serving as Executive Director of the Adirondack Sports Council, where she promoted sports and athletic development in the region. Walden organized the 2023 Winter World University Games, a multi-sport collegiate event that involved over 50 countries and approximately 600 universities. Prior to that, as Director of Sport and Operations for USA Bobsled and Skeleton, Walden led a recruiting and development effort for both sports to support growth and top performance for the athletes.
