Previously serving on the Board at the WCF since 2018, he becomes the second American - after Donald F. Barcome from 1988 to 1990 - to lead the governing body, taking over from Caithness who stood down after a maximum 12 years.

Welling, who comes from a background of designing golf courses, pledged in his campaign to create curling-specific facilities for developing nations worldwide.

"I feel an incredible sense of responsibility and at the same time an incredible sense of excitement about the future of curling," said Welling following his election.

"I look forward to working with our members to advance the sport of curling to higher levels and to continue the great work that Kate Caithness has done. 

"I want to honour her legacy by continuing to drive the sport forward."

He was elected in the second round of voting, having almost secured a majority in the first.

Bent Ånund Ramsfjell of Norway was eliminated in the first round with 33 votes, just two votes behind Graham Prouse from Canada.

Welling claimed 116 and Australian Hugh Millikin received 56 votes.

In the second round, Welling secured 127 votes to reach the majority threshold with 52.7 per cent of the General Assembly's approval.

Millikin had 73 votes for a share of 32.29 per cent, and Prouse had 41 votes for a share of 17.01 per cent.

He is to serve a four-year term until 2026, meaning he is to lead the WCF into the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Welling was the chair of the Structural Review Group and previously was an independent Board Director of the United States Curling Association from 2007 until 2018.