Ring Leader

Blackmun Joins USOC At A Critical Time

Scott Blackmun has officially been tabbed as the USOC’s new CEO, joining the organization at a crucial time in its history. Blackmun immediately faces the challenge of bringing stability and order to an organization that has been plagued by in-fighting in recent months, while also being tasked with restoring the group's standing within the international community. Blackmun brings experience to the position, having served as the organization’s interim CEO in ’00, and his hiring is widely applauded by the U.S. Olympic community, including NGB leaders who have quarreled with the organization's upper management. USA Track & Field CEO Doug Logan calls Blackmun a “savvy veteran of the Olympic movement,” and USA Gymnastics CEO Steve Penny says Blackmun is “a good guy to have his hand on the wheel right now.” With the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver Games just a little more than a month away, the new USOC boss will have an early opportunity to showcase his credentials and work toward mending the organization's relationship with the IOC.