On November 25, the USA Dance Nominations & Elections Committee announced that the members had elected Charles (Chuck) E. Garrett, Jr. to lead the Nation’s leading non-profit sports organization for dance.
Garrett, 72, who ran for the position as a devoted dancer and advocate for the art of ballroom dance, started dancing at the age of 60 as a celebrity participant in a local “Dancing with the Stars” fundraiser. This ignited his love for the art of dance, which has continued to grow ever since.
In 2016, he joined USA Dance as a member and competitor and, that September participated in his first ballroom competition, the USA Dance Kansas City Dance Classic. “Despite not scoring well,” noted Chuck, “I relished the camaraderie and the thrill of competition. Talented dancers reached out, making me feel welcomed…I found my home.”
Since then, Chuck has been a very active member. He and his partner, Lee Oswalt, are regularly found on the USA Dance competition floor, where they compete in three styles: International Standard, American Smooth, and American Rhythm. He also serves on the Board of USA Dance Memphis, Tennessee, Chapter #2012, where he and Lee teach lessons at monthly social dances.
In 2022, he was further entrusted with the role of Chair of the Senior Athlete Committee, where he represented and served as a spokesman for the well over 1,000 Senior Competitors of USA Dance. There, he earned the trust of his fellow athletes as a man of service, a team player, and a true advocate for the dancers.
Garrett, who resides in New Albany, Mississippi, brings to USA Dance over 46 years of education administration experience. He earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Education from the University of Memphis and a Doctorate of Education in 1988 from Northern Arizona University. He is known for his collaborative team-building, operational flexibility, problem-solving, and leadership development skills in large organizations. He rose through the education ranks from teacher/coach/athletic administrator to Superintendent of the New Albany School District in New Albany, Mississippi, where he served for 11 years.
This experience has prepared Chuck well for the numerous challenges associated with running USA Dance. A consummate professional, he has managed and balanced a multimillion-dollar budget, dealt with countless personnel issues, monitored and promoted student success, and developed a sound vision for his organization. He has made decisions and established policies to improve his organization and benefit those in his charge and employment. He has worked with communities and local, state, and federal government agencies and appreciates the support of volunteers.
Chuck is the published author of “Guiding Principles for Commonsense Leadership,” and has served as a contributing writer for the New Albany Gazette and Independent program host for the Hill Country Network in New Albany, Mississippi.
The USA Dance elections were held November 15-24. Of the almost 6,000 members in 117 Chapters, 1,003 voted, with Chuck Garrett earning 517 (51.9%) votes, followed by incumbent Ken Richards’ 331 (33.2%) votes and Aleh Kulyba’s 148 (14.9%) votes. Seven voters abstained.
Chuck said he enjoyed the election process, which allowed him to meet, speak to, and correspond with many USA Dance members. He prides himself on being a champion of change and a listener, and he has proven to be a man of action.
I want to get things moving, said Chuck. I think of “USA Dance, on the move.’ When people see an organization moving forward, they are eager to help”
“My leadership style is one of collaboration, empowerment, and transparency,” said Chuck. He hopes to make USA Dance more responsive, dynamic, and engaging for all of its members. “Everyone is important! Everyone will have a voice in our success!”
USA Dance, Inc. serves the dance industry as a leader and is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization approved by the Internal Revenue Service. USA Dance. Inc. is the official Recognized Sports Organization for Dance by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the U.S. National Member body of the world governing organization, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF). Along with the WDSF, USA Dance has the sustaining mission of gaining national and global acceptance for DanceSport disciplines in the Olympic Games.
“USA Dance is important in the world of dance,” noted Chuck. “We need to grow it and preserve it. I feel a certain responsibility to help restore it to prominence.”
USA Dance’s mission is to improve the quality and quantity of dance in the United States. The organization’s programs include supporting and establishing chapters throughout the country, providing financial and training support to our country’s top athletes, and organizing and regulating dance sports competitions.
USA Dance is authorized to solicit and receive donations from the public to support its promotional and educational programs.
Chuck addresses a few questions:
Chuck addresses a few questions:AD: What excites you about this new position?
I am excited to get some initiatives in motion. I believe that marketing is the key to growth in both the chapters and the competitive division. We are very fortunate to have such an outstanding marketing team, led by Ruslan Wilder. Our members can look forward to great things from them.
AD: What are your first thoughts as you take the reins in 2025?
I want to get things moving. I think of “USA Dance, on the move.’ When people see an organization moving forward, they are eager to help. In addition to our digital American Dancer Magazine, planning has begun for a year-end publication of American Dancer Magazine in print. Rose-Ann Lynch and her staff have worked hard to maintain a great publication. I want to see one on my table at home. That is our goal! We will pursue it!
AD: You are very accomplished and have served throughout your life. Why take on this responsibility?
USA Dance is important in the world of dance. We need to grow it and preserve it. I feel a certain responsibility to help restore it to prominence. USA Dance, an organization run by volunteers is an almost Quixotic idea for me! It is a noble endeavor! I invite all members to get involved. Please help me build this organization for all of us.
AD: What are your plans for the first 100 days?
- I want to develop a strong leadership team.
- I want our members to sense that things are different…more energetic.
- I want our chapter members to begin to believe that they are important and valued in USA Dance.
- I want to get a realistic financial picture.
- I want to help build support for our National Championships.
