BRISTOL, RI (December 7, 2021) — The US Sailing Foundation is honored to announce the addition of legendary sailor and businessman William I. “Bill” Koch to its Board of Directors. Koch will serve on the organization’s board as Director from November 2021 until November 2024.
“I am inspired by the launch of Project Pinnacle and the restructuring that’s been accomplished at US Sailing over the past year. I look forward to working with Bill Ruh and Paul Cayard as we help America’s athletes once again achieve podium finishes at the highest level of international competition.”
Mr. Koch currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board at Oxbow Carbon, LLC, one of the world’s largest recyclers of refinery and natural gas byproducts. Oxbow also started and built an alternative energy business domestically and internationally. His success extends beyond the boardroom and into education, art, philanthropy, and community work, both in his home state of Kansas as well as around the country and across the globe.
Mr. Koch’s approach to business stems from his “T3” philosophy: teamwork, technology, and talent. The strategy aligns with the US Sailing Foundation’s revitalized commitment to developing resources to strengthen and sustain the fundamental drivers of growth, innovation, and excellence in the sport.
Mr. Koch’s accolades in the business world and the sport of sailing are numerous and span the majority of his impressive career. Sailing honors include the 1992 Yachtsman of the Year (Yachting Magazine), 1993 New York Yacht Club Medal of Honor, 1994 Don Turner Award (U.S.S. Constitution), 1995 Women’s Sports Foundation Tribute Award, the 2001 Louis Vuitton Trophy America’s Cup Jubilee Generation, and the 2009 America & The Sea Award (Mystic Seaport). Mr. Koch is an Honorary Admiral of the State of Nebraska Navy, the State of Alabama Navy, and the State of Kansas Navy and the Boy Scouts of America.
On the water, Mr. Koch is a formidable competitor who won the America’s Cup in 1992 on America3. He won back-to-back Maxi Yacht World Championships in 1990 and 1991 and won the 12 Meter Worlds in both 1994 and 2009. Mr. Koch also founded and sponsored the America’s Cup A3 Team in 1995, a team with an all-female crew and featured in the documentary “Uncharted Waters.” In 2001, Mr. Koch was awarded a Gold Medal Award by Prince Phillip and the Royal Yacht Squadron in honor of his helming America3. Mr. Koch was inducted into the America’s Cup Sailing Hall of Fame in 1993 and into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2018.
“On behalf of all the Foundation board members, I would like to welcome Bill to our board of directors,” says Bill Ruh, Chairman of the Board at the US Sailing Foundation. “His influence, expertise, and experience both on boats and in the boardroom will be a valuable addition to the US Sailing Foundation.”
About the US Sailing Foundation
The US Sailing Foundation is the fundraising arm of the US Sailing Association (USSA) and is committed to the advancement of the USSA in a variety of ways, including soliciting support for and promoting USSA programs and activities. The US Sailing Association determines strategy and develops campaigns, programs and activities that expand access and participation in sailing, promote excellence in training, and provide sailors opportunities for advancement to the highest levels of competition. For more information, visit https://www.ussailing.org/about/ussf/