Wade Garard

Colorado Springs, Colorado (Feb. 3, 2025) – USA Volleyball is pleased to announce the appointment of Wade Garard as its Chief Advancement Officer, a strategic hire aimed at driving the organization’s long-term growth and philanthropic efforts. Garard brings an extensive background in fundraising, capital campaigns and nonprofit management, as well as extensive connections in the volleyball and sports business communities to the leadership team at USAV.

“Philanthropy must be a key component to the strategy of any sports-related nonprofit, and I can think of no one better to lead fundraising efforts for the sport of volleyball than Wade Garard,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “What Wade and a group of donors at First Point Volleyball Foundation have been able to do to grow boys volleyball is nothing short of outstanding. We are thrilled to welcome him to USAV.”

Garard will report to Speraw and serve as a key member of USAV’s executive leadership team, contributing to overall organizational strategy and decision-making. Working closely with the USA Volleyball Foundation Board of Directors, Garard will also be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive advancement strategy to significantly increase philanthropic support to the USAV Foundation. Garard will serve as the primary liaison with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation to ensure strategic alignment and synergy in comprehensive fundraising efforts.

As a co-founder and CEO of First Point Volleyball Foundation, Garard spearheaded efforts that raised $5.8 million to grow boys and men’s volleyball in the United States, leading to the establishment of 42 new men’s collegiate volleyball programs, including 18 NCAA Division I-II men’s volleyball teams and eight new programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Over eight years, First Point’s efforts resulted in 11 additional state high school federations voting to pilot or sanction high school boys volleyball. First Point, an organization founded by Speraw and Garard in 2016, will continue to be led by its Chairman Marin Gjaja and its President/Treasurer Bruce Lincoln.

Prior to First Point, Garard planned, organized and managed successful capital campaigns on 18 different college campuses. From 2006-2012, he was executive director of the Phi Kappa Psi Foundation and led the organization through its first successful comprehensive capital campaign. In 2016, Garard previously consulted for USA Volleyball, leading a feasibility study and strategic plan for expanding boys volleyball, which ultimately resulted in the establishment of First Point Volleyball.

“I am honored to join a team that is passionate about making volleyball more accessible and about providing more opportunities for people of all ages to mature and develop through the sport,” Garard said. “It is a fantastic time for volleyball and for USAV to embark on a major philanthropic effort leading up to LA 2028 and beyond. I am so pleased to continue my working collaborations with John (Speraw) and the team at USAV focused on making a lasting impact for every part of the sport.”