August 9, 2006 “” USA Cycling has appointed Sean Petty to the position of chief operating officer effective immediately, the national governing body announced Wednesday. Formerly chief of staff, Petty assumes the role left vacant by Steve Johnson after his appointment to chief executive officer in April.

As chief operating officer, Petty will be responsible for the day-to-day management of USA Cycling and will assume all operational responsibilities.

“Sean’s appointment to the position of chief operating officer is an important step in the continuing evolution of USA Cycling,” commented Johnson. “His vast experience, knowledge and success are a tremendous asset to the organization across the board and his leadership abilities and diverse skill set further define the type of person we needed to fill this role.”

Petty’s history with USA Cycling dates back to 1994 when he was hired as the managing director of the U.S. Professional Racing Organization (USPRO). In 1997, Petty was promoted to the position of managing director of athlete performance — a post he held until 2001. From 2001 to 2004, Petty was the vice president of marketing before becoming chief of staff in January of 2004. In his most recent position, Petty oversaw the membership, national events, international relations, technical support and industrial technology departments.

In 2005, Petty was selected by UCI President Pat McQuaid to serve on the seven-member UCI Road Commission.

Petty began his career in the sport of cycling when he joined the Dallas-based Southland Corporation, the parent company of 7-Eleven, where he was the sports marketing manager who managed the 7-Eleven Cycling Team — the first American team in history to compete in the Tour de France and wear the yellow leader’s jersey. In his eight-year tenure with the Southland Corporation, Petty also managed the 7-Eleven Cup Series and the 7-Eleven/Bicycling Magazine Grand Prix and oversaw 7-Eleven’s sponsorship of the 1986 UCI Road World Championships in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Prior to his first position at USA Cycling, Petty was the director of marketing for the Southwest Conference from 1992 to 1994.

A native of Texas, Petty earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas A&M University in 1980. He is married to his wife Gayle and has four children, Erin (21), Kristen (18) and twins Morgan and Travis (4).