The George Pocock Rowing Foundation Announces Launch Of The Pocock Rowing Club, A New Independent Adult Focused Rowing Organization

The George Pocock Rowing Foundation (“GPRF”) launches a new independent organization focused on creating rowing opportunities for Adult Rowers, Pocock Rowing Club (“PRC”), located at the George Pocock Memorial Rowing Center (“GPMRC”).  Rachel Le Mieux named the new club’s initial Executive Director.

SEATTLE - March 6, 2023 - The George Pocock Rowing Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit entity, today announces the launch of a new, independent non-profit entity to serve adult rowing athletes in the Seattle area. The new entity, Pocock Rowing Club, which formally launches on April 1, 2023, will operate adult rowing programs out of the George Pocock Memorial Rowing Center, owned by the GPRF and located in Seattle, and serve independent adult rowers and clubs, such as the Ancient Mariners Rowing Club and Montlake Rowing Club. PRC aims to expand opportunities for members of the local Seattle community to experience rowing for the first time as adults, while giving current adult rowing athletes a best-in-class rowing experience for those that wish to compete at the highest levels of Masters Rowing. As a separate entity, independent from the GPRF, PRC will be able to advocate and fundraise for the specific needs of current and future adult rowing athletes.

Since its inception in 1984, the GPRF has been focused on supporting and growing the sport of rowing in the Seattle area and the greater Pacific Northwest.  As the organization has grown, its focus has moved from building more boat houses to becoming a more robust sport based youth development organization. As a leader in the sport, the GPRF works to help young people access and experience the life changing sport of rowing, regardless of background or circumstance.  

With its increasing focus on serving youth athletes, the GPRF determined that the current adult athletes operating under its purview would be better served by an independent organization. "This governance transition creates more space, autonomy, and resources for every individual being served at the boathouse. With the creation of the Pocock Rowing Club and its focus on adults, alongside the GPRF's continued focus on young people, each organization can focus on its mission while simultaneously remaining part of a collaborative boathouse community,” says Jenn Gibbons, GPRF’s Executive Director. Working together with the newly elected board of the PRC, the GPRF is helping to support the creation of a new 501c3 non-profit entity focused on serving adult rowing athletes out of the GPMRC.  In recognition of the new entity's independence, but with its historic ties to the GPMRC and the values of George Pocock, the new entity has been named Pocock Rowing Club.

Rachel Le Mieux Named First Executive Director of the Pocock Rowing Club

The Pocock Rowing Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Le Mieux as its first Executive Director. Rachel brings over 40 years of experience in the rowing industry, with a deep passion for the sport of rowing as an athlete, coach, US Rowing Referee, and FISA Umpire.

"We are thrilled to welcome Rachel to the Pocock Rowing Club," said John Holt, Board President of the new organization.  "Her impressive business experience, her work developing and growing adult rowing programs, her coaching ability, and her deep ties to the local and national rowing community make her the perfect fit for this role. We're excited to see the impact she'll have on our adult programs and the broader rowing community in Seattle."

As the Executive Director, Rachel will be responsible for overseeing the club's adult programming and membership, including managing coaching staff, developing and implementing training programs, financial management, and creating opportunities for adult rowers of all skill levels to improve their skills and achieve their goals.

"I am honored to be joining the all-new Pocock Rowing Club," said Le Mieux. "I look forward to working with the coaching staff and members of the clube to build upon the strong foundation that has been established here. I am committed to ensuring that PRC is a leader in the rowing community, both locally and nationally."

To learn more about the newly launched Pocock Rowing Club, please contact John Holt at jwpholt56@gmail.com.