Fleet Feet Appoints Olympian Jenny Simpson as Inaugural Chief Running Officer

February 12, 2026

Simpson will serve as a national spokesperson and senior leader shaping Fleet Feet’s training, community and wellness initiatives

CARRBORO, N.C. (February 12, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Fleet Feet, the nation’s largest franchisor of locally owned and operated running specialty stores, today announced Jenny Simpson as its first chief running officer. The new leadership role is designed to deepen Fleet Feet’s connection to local running communities, shape training programs, collaborate with the merchandising team and guide brand partnerships nationwide.

About Jenny Simpson

Simpson’s running journey began in elementary school and continued through college into a distinguished professional career. The first female high school athlete to win the Foot Locker South Regional twice (now the Brooks XC Championships, presented by Fleet Feet), Simpson went on to run for the University of Colorado Boulder, where she captured four NCAA championships.

A three-time Olympian, Simpson made history in 2016 as the first American woman to win Olympic bronze in the 1,500 meters. Her extensive accolades include gold at the 2011 World Championships, marking the first American victory in the 1,500 meters since 1983, and silver at the World Championships in 2013 and 2017 in the 1,500 meters.

Simpson’s 20-year professional running career concluded following the 2024 New York City Marathon, launching the beginning of her “Run USA” road trip. During the trip, Simpson and her husband, Jason Simpson, toured all 50 states to share their passion for running by joining local communities across America.

“My love for local running communities cannot be overstated,” said Simpson. “A local running store is where I bought my first running shoes, was introduced to road racing, and found my best friends. The running community supported me for over two decades as I chased my Olympic dreams. After hanging up my competitive racing shoes, I spent a year on the road, logging miles with running communities in all 50 states. I simply love runners, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have found a home at Fleet Feet where I can remain connected and serve these communities across the country.”

Fleet Feet Introduces Chief Running Officer Position

In the role, Simpson will serve as a national spokesperson for Fleet Feet, working closely with the brand partners to better leverage athletes and shared resources, shaping Fleet Feet’s training programs and evaluating new technologies offered to customers. She will also support stores and coaches nationwide by providing athlete-led insight and advancing community-driven program development at scale.

Looking ahead, Simpson will help Fleet Feet expand into broader wellness leadership, including recovery, nutrition, sleep and other areas that support healthier living. Her work will primarily focus on increasing participation, deepening engagement and helping more people live active, healthy lives.

“I’ve known Jenny for more than a decade, from the peak of her competitive career to the thoughtful, purpose-driven leader she is today, and I’ve watched her grow both as an athlete and a person,” said Joey Pointer, CEO of Fleet Feet. “As more people seek trusted guidance, connection, and inspiration on how to run and live well, now is the right time for Fleet Feet to deepen its leadership beyond retail and training. Fleet Feet is uniquely positioned to be the platform that elevates the work Jenny wants to do next, combining community reach, credibility and impact at a national scale. Her rare ability to connect authentically with everyone from children to large audiences makes this role both timely and deeply significant for the future of Fleet Feet.”

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About Fleet Feet
Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated specialty run stores. With more than 285 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, North Carolina, Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards.

Fleet Feet believes that Running Changes Everything® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and America’s Best Online Shops, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

Media Contact

Rachel Weiss, Backbone Media
rachel.weiss@backbone.media