Wendling, who brings a lifetime of multi-sport experience and expertise to the position, previously served as the organisation's treasurer for three years.

He replaces outgoing President Brian Harrington who remains a member of the Board.

"After three decades of dedication to triathlon, I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as President of USA Triathlon and grateful for the Board's confidence in me," said Wendling.

"It is an honour I will work to earn every day with integrity and dedication."

"As USA Triathlon embarks on a path of strategic growth with new leadership, I want to reassure members, race directors, elite athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and sponsors that our governance and staff stand ready to serve them and continue managing the steady growth of the most exciting sport in the Olympic programme."

Wendling is the co-founder and vice-president of a Washington, DC-based economic and energy consulting company.

Prior to that he served as a senior economist and Director of STAT-USA at the US Department of Commerce, and was a senior economist with the solar energy programme at the US Department of Energy.

Elite athlete representative Steve Sexton will replace Wendling as Board treasurer, and USA Triathlon vice-president Eric Averill and secretary Candy Cheatham will continue in their respective positions after being re-elected.

John Lines also was nominated to the 13-member Board and begins his term with immediate effective.