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Olympics

Longtime USOC execs exiting

The U.S. Olympic Committee will say goodbye to its two longest-serving senior executives in 2016.

GLOVER
Chief Financial Officer Walt Glover, 66, will retire in the first quarter after more than 15 years running the organization’s finances. Glover’s tenure spanned a remarkable period of change at the USOC, as the organization built reserves allowing it to operate in Olympic off-years without taking on lines of credit.

Glover’s departure was announced by USOC Chief Executive Officer Scott Blackmun in an internal memo. He will be replaced by Morane Kerek, a top Glover lieutenant and the managing director of audit and compliance. Bridget Toelle, director of audit and compliance, will be promoted to senior director of audit to fill Kerek’s shoes.

“Walt brought a combination of expertise and steady leadership to the USOC during his tenure as CFO, and we are grateful for his years of service,” Blackmun said.

Also announced by Blackmun, Chief of Security Larry Buendorf, 77, will retire at the end of 2016, capping a term at the USOC that started in 1993. Buendorf has coordinated athlete protection at 11 Olympic Games and at domestic training facilities. A former Secret Service agent, Buendorf in 1975 thwarted the assassination attempt on then-President Gerald Ford by wrestling a gun away from Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme.

A USOC spokesman said a search for a new security chief will start in early 2016.

BUENDORF
“As a Navy pilot, Secret Service agent and professional committed to protecting America’s elite athletes around the world, Larry has selflessly dedicated himself to the well-being of others,” Blackmun said.

The changes coincide with Blackmun’s plans to cut back his direct reports in order to focus more on the Los Angeles bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Both Kerek and the new chief security officer will report to a new position, chief business officer, who in turn will report to Blackmun.

The new CBO job will likely be posted by the end of 2015, a spokesman said, with hopes of making a hire early in the new year.

In another change, Chief Bid and Protocol Officer Chris Sullivan will report to Chief Communications Officer Patrick Sandusky, who will oversee international relations in addition to his current portfolio of communications, government and community relations. He will assume a new title, chief of external affairs.

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