USQ Update
USQ Announces New Executive Director
US Quidditch is pleased to announce the hiring of Donte Quinine as the organization’s new Executive Director.
Quinine was hired following a nationwide search process this summer. He will succeed outgoing Acting Executive Director Alicia Radford, who served the organization for six years in partnership with founder and former CEO Alex Benepe.
Quinine comes to USQ with a Masters in Organizational Leadership and over ten years of experience in leadership positions in higher education, including Assistant Athletics Director and Major Gifts Officer at Seattle Pacific University, Leadership Facilitator for the NCAA, and most recently as Director of Student Life, Outreach, and Recruitment at Wenatchee Valley College, where he oversaw student activities and events, residence halls, intercollegiate and intramural athletics, and more.
Quinine is also a lifelong athlete. “As a child I played all of the major sports, but when I grew older and much taller (I'm 6'6" now) basketball became a natural fit for me,” Quinine said. “I continued to play basketball in college and also for a few professional teams in the US and abroad. I also love skateboarding, though - my coaches and teammates would often laugh at me, because throughout my career I showed up to practice and games on my skateboard!”
As part of his basketball career, Quinine traveled with Athletes in Action throughout Europe, Canada and Africa, using basketball as a vehicle to bring about social change. USQ’s mission to build community and empower all genders to compete together inspired Quinine to apply for Executive Director.
“I was drawn to the unique culture of USQ. The staff, volunteers, players, fans, and all of the other constituents are very passionate about the sport. It has been my dream to lead an organization with the vibrancy of USQ. I really wanted to be part of an organization that is growing and pioneering a new vision for inclusive sports and community.”
Quinine will oversee the day-to-day management of USQ operations and work closely with the staff and board to further the initiatives outlined in the strategic plan. “I'm excited to get to know all of the amazing constituents involved with USQ,” Quinine said. “I know that there are many people who work tirelessly to make sure that we have quality events and I can't wait to support them. I'm also excited to explore new opportunities for growth and fundraising, and take a look at organizational structure and identify necessary changes to ensure long term sustainability. I'm going to take a very close look at the strategic plan and start setting benchmarks to ensure that we are actively progressing towards our goals.”
“The Board is very excited to welcome Donte as USQ's new Executive Director,” said Jacob Adlis, USQ’s chairman. “Between his demonstrated passion for the mission of USQ, his experience in university athletics administration, and his background as a professional athlete, Donte brings a wealth of knowledge to our growing organization. As we continue to execute on our strategic plan and usher in the next phase of USQ's growth, Donte will provide a strong source of leadership for the expansion of the sport of quidditch.”
Quinine will start on Monday, September 21. He will work with Radford through the end of the month to ensure a seamless transition. Quinine can be reached at donte.quinine@usquidditch.org.
