Annie White, chief commercial officer at U.S. Figure Skating, was recognized on Wednesday night in New York City as an honoree of the 16th annual Sport's Business Journal's Game Changers Class of 2026.

White was one of 60 women worldwide to be recognized by SBJ for their leadership, innovation and accomplishments, as they make a lasting impact on sports business, according to a Sports Busness Journal release.

This year's honorees include entrepreneurs, leaders and decision-makers across teams, leagues, media, technology, marketing and more.

"This is an incredible honor," White said. "To be recognized among this amazing class of women leaders was very special and humbling. I'd also like to acknowledge and thank my incredibly hardworking team and colleagues who played an important part in this success."

White and her team were responsible for driving record sponsorship revenue and attendance for U.S. Figure Skating. She also spearheaded breakthrough Olympic activations and athlete-centered campaigns, all while expanding the sport's reach and impact, according to a Sports Busness Journal release. 

U.S. Figure Skating grew sponsorship revenue 20% over its last Olympic season, and its marketing efforts led to the highest ticket sales and total attendance at a national championship since 2014.

Most visibly of White's initiatives, U.S. Figure Skating partnered with USA Hockey and US Speedskating on the Winter House during the Milan Cortina Games.

As the only national governing bodies with events in Milan, they sought a private space for athletes, families, donors and other stakeholders. Starbucks signed on as a title sponsor, while Xfinity, CDW, P&G (Bounty), Deloitte, Merrill Lynch and Custom Ink all sponsored the hospitality space.

White said they asked athletes to come two nights but found many returning more than that.

The Winter House created a space where stakeholders from different sports could spend time together.

"We thought it would be a one-and-done. … And within a week of being in Milan, all three CEOs were like, 'We have to do this again. This has been amazing,'" she said.

U.S. Figure Skating is already planning what it will look like in 2030 at the French Alps, when USA Curling also will join them. White and U.S. Figure Skating CEO Matt Farrell have spoken to nearly 10 summer NGBs looking to repeat the idea at LA28.

"The biggest reward was the athletes and seeing how much they appreciated the space," she said.