Board of Directors

Dan Russell

As the Wrestling for Peace Executive Director and Ambassador, Dan is a prominent figure in international sports diplomacy, humanitarian action, and community leadership. With a profound connection to wrestling since his youth, he boasts an illustrious career marked by achievements like two World Cadet Champion titles, four consecutive State High School Championships, and four NCAA championship trophies.

In 1995, he won the prestigious Poddubny Tournament in Perm, Russia, earning the title of Unofficial Champion of the World. Transitioning into coaching, Dan served as an Olympic Solidarity Instructor for eight years in Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia.

Representing the United States at multiple World Wrestling Championships, including serving as an Olympic Coach in 2004, Dan has left an indelible mark on the global wrestling stage. Having shared his expertise in over 60 nations, he has become a key advocate for the sport, utilizing wrestling as a powerful tool to foster cultural understanding and bridge gaps between communities.

Now based in Amman, Jordan, he continues to leverage his multifaceted career to spearhead initiatives globally, contributing to the promotion of peace through the universal language of wrestling.


Taft Blackburn

Taft is the Wrestling for Peace Deputy Executive Director of US Operations and currently works as a research analyst in the Washington, DC area.  Prior to this position, he served for 30 years as a military officer working in Europe and the United States.

Taft was a Division I NCAA athlete and letterman. While competing in all six events as an all-around gymnast, his best events were rings and vault.  He has a Master’s degree from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy. 

He has received two Defense Distinguished Service Medals and the Legion of Merit for his service as a military attaché and for leading major military staff policy divisions.

Married with one daughter, Taft enjoys history, learning Languages, golf, and skiing.

Austin Landes

Austin began his humanitarian efforts after a 2010 trip to Haiti sparked a deep and drastic change in the direction of his life. As the fifth generation’s oldest son, poised to become president, Austin left his family’s mechanical business in 2014 to start working with nonprofits and NGOs through networking, hands-on projects, and consulting. Austin has been honored to travel to many places around the world, collaborating with governments, ministries of health, top leaders, corporations, celebrities and athletes to come alongside people in the “wrestling match” of life. This has been achieved mostly through health initiatives and infrastructure projects. Through these projects and programs, millions of lives have been impacted.

Austin and his wife, Julie, are the founders of Outsiders Kitchen, a snack manufacturing company based in Margaretville, New York. Outsiders produces small batch flavored gourmet pretzel bites that are sold nationwide in the US. They currently reside in the Catskill Mountains and love to spend time with their two teenage daughters.


Joe Russell

Currently the Manager of Men's Freestyle Programs for USA Wrestling in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Joe assumed the role in June 2017 and has since steered the program to remarkable success. Under his leadership, the team secured three World Championship Team titles in 2017, 2022, and 2023, showcasing Russell's strategic prowess and dedication to excellence.

At the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, the team achieved a stellar performance, earning five medals, including two individual Olympic Champions. In October 2023, Russell was named head coach for the USA U23 World Team, contributing to the country's historic victory in securing its first-ever U23 World Team Championship.

Before joining USA Wrestling, Joe Russell dedicated the majority of his professional career to college wrestling coaching. From 1996 to 2011, he served as the Assistant Wrestling Coach at the University of Minnesota, and from 2011 to 2017, he held the position of Head Wrestling Coach at George Mason University.

During his tenure at Minnesota, Russell played a pivotal role in guiding the Golden Gophers to three NCAA Team Championships in 2001, 2002, and 2007, solidifying his reputation as an accomplished and respected coach.

Russell is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota, having earned his B.A. in 1992, J.D. in 1995, and M.Ed in 2006, further showcasing his commitment to education and comprehensive development.


Advisors

  • Mohammed Al-Awamleh

    President - Jordan Wrestling Federation

  • Saleh Alzriqat

    GOODWILL AMBASSADOR - Jordan

  • Bruce Baumgartner

    PRESIDENT - USA Wrestling

  • Rich Bender

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - USA Wrestling

  • Bryan Bollman

    PARTNER - GuidePoint Security

  • Jack Clark

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - US Wrestling Foundation

  • Steve Fraser

    OLYMPIC CHAMPION, FOUNDER - USA Wrestling For Peace Initiative

  • Afsoon Johnston

    BOARD MEMBER - Titan Mercury Wrestling

  • Christina "Kiki" Kelley

    FIRST GLOBAL W4P AMBASSADOR - USA Men’s Team Leader to Iran

  • Sally Roberts

    CEO - Wrestle Like a Girl

  • Lorraine Rorabaugh

    Lorraine Rorabaugh

    USA Wrestling - Donor & Alumni Relations

  • Jonny Ruggiano

    Executive Director - Titan Mercury Wrestling Club

  • Larry Steckman

    Larry Steckman

    Owner - FOI Laboratories

  • Hooman Tavakolian

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Hoomanities

  • Amy Zirneklis

    COO - Wrestle Like a Girl