Changes at USBC

From Bowlers Journal International (BJI)'s e-bowler newsletter: YOU CAN ’T really label it a “house cleaning,” but there’s no denying that changes are afoot at the International Bowling Campus in Arlington, Texas, mostly on the United States Bowling Congress side.

In the wake of the news that Jeri Edwards would not be continuing as head coach
of Team USA, it now has been announced that USBC Chief Operating Officer Kevin Dornberger will be stepping down from his position. His last official day will be Nov. 20.

In the case of Edwards, the parting of the ways with USBC involved, at least
initially, her reluctance to relocate to Arlington, TX. Later, when it was decided to merge the Team USA coach job with coaching activities at the new International Training Center in Arlington, the expanded position was not offered to Edwards.
(See the November issue of Bowlers Journal International for more on what Edwards described as her “termination.”)

For Dornberger, his departure from USBC comes after he and his family relocated
from the Milwaukee area, the former long-time home of USBC, to Arlington.
“I am very proud of what we accomplished in moving the organization to Arlington,” Dornberger said in a USBC news release.

“Now I feel like it is time for me to move on and pursue other career challenges.”
Dornberger was named Interim Chief Operating Officer in July 2007 after the retirement of Roger Dalkin, and had the “Interim” tag removed in 2008.

Prior to his appointment as Interim COO, he had been USBC Vice President
for National Governing Body since 2005. He also oversaw the organization’s
legal affairs as General Counsel from 2005 to 2007.

Dornberger also has been a leading force in attempting to get bowling more recognition as an international sport. Before joining the full time USBC staff, Dornberger had been a member of the American Bowling Congress (ABC) Board of Directors since 1985 and was elected a vice president in 1995.

When the USBC was formed in 2005, he held the title of ABC Executive Vice
President. During his 20 years on the board, he also served as USA Bowling president and administrative director.

Active as a youth bowling volunteer for years, he was a youth coach and later became president of the Sioux Falls, S.D., Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA) local association in 1989.

But as often happens when new management is hired, there seemingly was
no place for Dornberger in the “new” USBC. “Kevin has been a central figure and key leader in the sport of bowling for many years,” said Stu Upson, USBC’s new Executive Director.

“He has helped build a solid foundation for the organization’s future success. I wish Kevin all the best in his future endeavors.” At the time USBC issued
the press release regarding his departure, Dornberger had not obtained new employment.

However, he continues to serve as president of the World Tenpin Bowling Assn.
Whether his departure from USBC will impact that position remains to be seen.
Traditionally, U.S. representatives on the WTBA board have had ties with America’s governing body for bowling.

eBowler has learned that there have been other staff changes in Arlington, as
well as reorganization of various departments. We’ll have more on the comings -and-goings at the International Bowling Campus in the December issue of BJI.