Colorado Springs, Colo. (February 12, 2025)—The Ultimate Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as the fundraising arm of USA Ultimate and its developmental and financial aid programs, announced today the appointment of Tristan Green as its director.
Green comes to The Ultimate Foundation following a decade-long tenure as executive director of Triangle Ultimate. Through his leadership and experience in fundraising, development and community engagement, the North Carolina disc organization and USA Ultimate affiliate member blossomed into a nationally recognized leader in the sport of ultimate.
“I am excited to step into this role as director of the Foundation and help drive the sport forward through philanthropy,” Green commented. “My own journey in ultimate began with access to opportunities, biking and riding the bus to local parks for pick-up games in middle school. During my time at Triangle Ultimate, expanding access was at the heart of our mission and a key factor in the organization’s growth and impact. In this new role, I look forward to leaning on my professional and lived experiences with the sport to advance the Foundation’s mission of delivering the sport to all, without limitation.”
During his time at Triangle Ultimate, Green positioned the organization as a community leader in youth sports, collaborating with the board of directors and key community stakeholders on strategic planning, mission realignment and rebranding initiatives. Under his direction, the organization expanded from one employee to eight, plus a network of more than 250 volunteers. He also spearheaded Triangle Ultimate’s Learn to Play program and designed and implemented Level the Playing Field, an innovative pay-what-you-can registration model that increased financial accessibility to ultimate. Green also increased annual giving to Triangle Ultimate by 800 percent and secured more than $300,000 in grants. Local participation in ultimate also thrived under his direction with an increase in programming leading to a 150 percent increase in members.
An award-winning nonprofit leader, Green has been recognized for his ability to stimulate growth, secure grants and cultivate strategic partnerships to advance mission-driven, organizational goals. A recent inductee to the Triangle Ultimate Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024, Green previously served on the board of directors for both Triangle Ultimate and Girls on the Run Triangle. A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Green also holds certificates in nonprofit management from Duke University and sports philanthropy from George Washington University. In 2023, Green was given the Laurel Wreath Award by the North Carolina Office of the Governor for his outstanding contributions to sport in the state.
As an experienced ultimate player himself, Green has competed for national-level teams Ring of Fire (2013-16) and Toro (2017-22) in USA Ultimate’s club division, competing at Nationals eight times. Most recently, Green represented the United States at the WFDF World Masters Ultimate Championships where he won a silver medal. Internationally, Green has played in Australia, Bali, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, The Philippines, and Portugal.
As director, Green is tasked with growing The Ultimate Foundation into the premier charitable organization for ultimate in the United States with an emphasis on fundraising, program execution, relationship building and communication.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Tristan as the Foundation’s director and I truly believe that we have a leader with the right mix of experience and vision to drive the growth we need to better serve the ultimate community,” said Adam Goff, President of The Ultimate Foundation Board of Directors. “Tristan’s passion for ultimate and his understanding of the community the Foundation serves are a perfect fit for us.”
Founded in 2014, The Ultimate Foundation exists to support the various USA Ultimate programs that are focused on providing everyone with the opportunity to experience ultimate, specifically initiatives that equip underrepresented groups and gender-inclusive players with resources required to play; eliminate the financial barriers to participation in national team programs; increase opportunities for girls and women; and build partnerships with other national and local programs to reach underserved communities.
Green officially begins his position on February 12th.
