Organizers of Boston 2024 are "proposing to reshuffle its leadership" and name Celtics co-Owner & Managing Partner Steve Pagliuca Chair "after a rocky start that threatened to derail the region’s bid" for the '24 Games, according to sources cited by Leung & Arsenault of the BOSTON GLOBE. Current Chair John Fish "would step down voluntarily and become one of several vice chairmen." Northeastern Univ. AD Peter Roby "would also serve" as a Vice Chair. Sources added that Red Sox President & CEO Larry Lucchino would "come on board as a strategic adviser to Boston 2024," as would "prominent Boston businessman" Jack Connors. Lucchino "would remain in his role" with the Red Sox. Sources said that he and Connors would advise on issues "ranging from operations to personnel, and are expected to devote a significant amount of time to the Olympic effort." Lucchino said, "This is only a plan at this point. It requires further discussion with the USOC and the Boston 2024 board. Until all of that happens this is simply a restructuring plan and nothing more." Leung & Arsenault noted the USOC "apparently has been increasingly agitated" by Boston 2024's "failure to publicize a clear plan." The committee also "wanted more of the leaders of Boston 2024 to have a background in sports." Matters "came to a head last week, when the USOC sent an unsettling e-mail to Boston organizers." It "prompted a conference call on Friday with the national committee to discuss the management changes." Pagliuca is a "shrewd private equity investor and driven sports fan" who regularly "sits under the basket" watching his Celtics (BOSTON GLOBE, 5/10).
TOO LITTLE TOO LATE? In Boston, Jack Encarnacao writes the “expected leadership shuffle” was "met with skepticism by key leaders who say hard information on taxpayer cost is what it will take to restore public confidence.” Massachusetts state Rep. William Strauss said, “Boston 2024 needs most is to focus on two things -- the details of the plan, and what it means to assure the public that public funds, whether for transportation or infrastructure, will not be called upon to make up any deficiencies in their operations.” Boston Mayor Martin Walsh “voiced some support for the shake-up” (BOSTON HERALD, 5/11). But the HERALD's Howie Carr writes, “It’s a little late to be rearranging the deck chairs on your own personal Titanic” (BOSTON HERALD, 5/11).
