Leadership

The People
Behind the Mission

The Tom Shields Foundation is governed by a board of directors committed to transparency, mission alignment, and fiduciary integrity, and advised by practitioners at the highest levels of athlete mental health.

Board of Directors
Tom Shields

Two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most decorated butterfly swimmers in American history. Tom founded TSF after going public with his mental health story in 2019, one of the only elite athletes to speak openly about a suicide attempt and return to compete at the Olympic level.

Chair & Executive Director
Tom Shields
2× Olympic Gold Medalist · Founder
Gianna Shields

Doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at SJSU. Lecturer and teacher supervisor at SF State and UC Santa Cruz. Researcher on AI-mediated learning. Executive Director of an NSF Noyce Grant. Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Secretary
Gianna Shields
EdD Candidate, SJSU · Lecturer, SF State & UC Santa Cruz
Michael Gibbons

Attorney in private practice since 1999. Specializes in organizational governance and athletes' rights, advising entities from youth clubs to Olympic-level national governing bodies. Former member of the USA Swimming National Governance Committee. JD, William Mitchell; MBA, Seton Hall; BS, Tulane.

Treasurer
Michael Gibbons
Attorney · Sports & Nonprofit Governance
Jack Roach

Over 35 years of coaching experience. Director of the USA Swimming National Junior Team, 2008-2016. Coached at the Olympic Games in Beijing, London, and Rio. One of the most trusted voices in American swimming. Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient.

Board Member
Jack Roach
USA Swimming National Team Coach · Marine Corps Veteran
Lucas Salles-Cunha

Ed.D. from UNC Greensboro. President and Head Coach of Quicksilver Swimming Santa Cruz. Brought two high schoolers to the Olympic Trials. Nominated for ASCA Coach of the Year and ASCA Impact Coach of the Year. Career dedicated to building access to swimming in underserved communities.

Board Member
Lucas Salles-Cunha
Ed.D. · Head Coach, Quicksilver Swimming Santa Cruz
"The system isn't built to find the kid who's learned to hide it. We give the people in the room the tools to see it."
Advisors
Alexander Cushing

Psychological Services Provider at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Psy.D. and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). Works at the intersection of clinical psychology and elite athletic performance, supporting Team USA athletes across sports.

Mental Health Advisor
Alexander Cushing
Psy.D., CMPC · USOPC Psychological Services