Lexington Resident Becomes Fourth CEO in Special Olympics Kentucky History

The Board of Directors of Special Olympics Kentucky (SOKY) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Angie Cruse-Tinch as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective December 11, 2024. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and a deep commitment to empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Cruse-Tinch brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for inclusion that aligns perfectly with SOKY’s mission.

As Chief Executive Officer, Cruse-Tinch will lead SOKY’s efforts to serve over 11,000 athletes across Kentucky, overseeing programs that focus on sports training, health, education, and community-building for individuals with intellectual disabilities. In her new role, Cruse-Tinch will drive the organization’s strategic vision, ensuring that SOKY continues to deliver high-quality programs, expand partnerships, and advocate for greater opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities across the Commonwealth.

“I am honored to join Special Olympics Kentucky and to champion the athletes, families, and communities that benefit from these transformative programs,” said Cruse-Tinch. “Our athletes demonstrate courage, resilience, and joy every day, and I am committed to advancing our mission to foster an inclusive world where everyone’s abilities are celebrated.”

Cruse-Tinch joins SOKY following her tenure as Chief Strategy Officer at Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road Council, where she led efforts to build and maintain a high-performance organizational culture, with an unrelenting focus on the organization’s strategic goals, vision, and values. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Colorado State University and a Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Touro University and has held numerous leadership roles at regional and state-wide organizations throughout her career.

Joe Doren, Chair of Special Olympics Kentucky’s Board of Directors, expressed confidence in the new appointment, saying, “Angie’s vision and track record make her the perfect leader to guide us forward. Her dedication to our athletes and her experience in nonprofit leadership will enhance our impact and position us for continued growth.”

This new chapter in leadership comes at an exciting time for SOKY as it builds upon over 50 years of success and embarks on new initiatives to increase program access, health resources, and public awareness around intellectual disabilities. Cruse-Tinch succeeds Trish Mazzoni, who has served in leadership roles at the organization since 1986 and as Chief Executive Officer since 2012. The Board congratulates Mazzoni on her retirement and thanks her for her myriad contributions to SOKY, to the athletes, and to the community at large.

For more information about Special Olympics Kentucky and the appointment of Angie Cruse-Tinch as Chief Executive Officer, please contact Director of Communications and External Relations Mark Buerger at 502-695-8222 or [email protected].