Blackmun named USOC CEO

Scott Blackmun, a prominent sports executive and former USOC leader, was named as the Chief Executive Officer of The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) today (Jan. 6).

“We are pleased to introduce Scott as our new CEO and to welcome him back to the USOC,” USOC Chairman Larry Probst said. “With a deep understanding of the Olympic Movement, established relationships in the Olympic Family and a strong commitment to the community of Colorado Springs, we know he will move seamlessly into the role and be ready to represent the USOC as we head into the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.”

Blackmun (52) first joined the USOC in September 1998 as General Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs. In 2000, he became Senior Managing Director where he was responsible for sport operations and resource allocation to National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and athletes. From Nov. 2000 – Oct. 2001 he served as acting USOC Chief Executive Officer. Blackmun, a resident of Colorado Springs, Colo, now returns from the lawyer firm of Holme Roberts&Owen LLP, where he was a partner and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. From 2002-06, he was Chief Operating Officer of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) in Los Angeles, overseeing operations for the sports and events company.

The hiring of Blackmun coincides with the USOC moving into its new headquarters in downtown Colorado Springs.

“I am thrilled to be returning to the USOC and to be a part of an organization and Movement I am so passionate about,” Blackmun said. “This is an exciting time for the USOC, with the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games a few weeks away, and a move to the new headquarters building this spring. I am looking forward to getting to know and work alongside a talented staff. And, I am ready to make a long-term commitment to the success of this organization and America’s athletes, and to supporting the growth of the Olympic Movement worldwide.”

Blackmun graduated summa cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1979 with a degree in philosophy, and received his J.D. from Stanford Law School in 1982. He and his wife, Ann, have three children.

Blackmun will take over as CEO on Jan. 26, 2010, from Acting CEO Stephanie Streeter. Streeter had served in the position since last March, however did not seek to become the permanent CEO of the USOC.

“The USOC conducted an open and transparent selection process which led to an outstanding choice in Scott Blackmun,” said Bill Marolt, President and CEO, U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association. “He will build a strong management team and establish meaningful partnerships throughout the Olympic movement.

“I’m excited about the selection and the entire process undertaken by the USOC to
find someone who could provide the vision and leadership necessary to move our
Olympic sports forward, Marolt said.
 
Blackmun will be based in Colorado Springs, and he will hold overall accountability, responsibility and authority for the management of the business and affairs of the USOC. He will also serve as the primary spokesperson and representative of the USOC, building productive relationships within the domestic and global Olympic and Paralympic community.