Erin Popovich, a three-time Paralympian and 19-time Paralympic medalist, has been named chief of staff for the Purdue for Life Foundation.
In her new role, Popovich will report to Purdue for Life President and CEO Julie Dussliere and support the foundation’s alumni-facing organizations—including the Purdue Alumni Association, President’s Council, and John Purdue Club—along with development, engagement, and advancement initiatives. Popovich previously served as director of U.S. Paralympics Swimming.
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Erin for many years, and I’m incredibly proud to welcome her to our Purdue for Life team,” Dussliere says. “Her passion and dedication—forged through her remarkable career—will undoubtedly make an important impact on our efforts to connect and engage the global Purdue community.”
During her Paralympic career, Popovich earned 14 gold and five silver medals across the Sydney, Athens, and Beijing Games. She was the first recipient of the ESPY Award for Best Female Athlete with a Disability in 2005 and was named the Women’s Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year. In 2009, she won her second ESPY Award, and in 2019, she became the second Paralympic swimmer to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame.
Following her retirement from competitive swimming in 2010, Popovich transitioned into sports administration, holding several roles with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Her positions included director of U.S. Paralympics Swimming, associate director of U.S. Paralympics Swimming Sport Operations, associate director of Paracycling Sport Operations, and manager of U.S. Paralympics Classification.
“Throughout my career, I’ve learned that determination, teamwork, and resilience can unite people and lead to extraordinary outcomes,” Popovich says. “These values are at the heart of the Boilermaker spirit, and I’m excited to help our alumni, friends, and fans stay connected, get involved, and give back to the university we all love.”
Popovich holds a bachelor’s degree in health and exercise science from Colorado State University and completed the Impact Academy program through Tuck Executive Education at Dartmouth.
