Wasserman Media Group Chair & CEO and L.A. 2024 Chair CASEY WASSERMAN for the last two decades has "worked to forge a name for himself, serving on influential boards across" L.A., and now comes another challenge -- "convincing Olympic officials that L.A. should host" the Games, according to David Wharton of the L.A. TIMES. Wasserman "must find a way to win" over the IOC, who can be "finicky when choosing a host -- its members are handing over the keys to their most-prized possession." But if L.A. Mayor ERIC GARCETTI is the "face of the bid, Wasserman is the heart and soul, a 41-year-old wunderkind determined to bring the world's grandest sporting event back to Southern California." As Chair, Wasserman has gone to meetings or events in DC, Las Vegas, the Czech Republic and Switzerland (IOC HQ), "traveling to wherever Olympic officials convene." L.A.'s bid "needs more than just plans on paper." Olympic politics can "be unpredictable, with decisions made by an odd mix of bureaucrats, former athletes and royalty," which "might test the patience of a man who likes to be in control." Wasserman "thought carefully before stepping into this world." Time was a factor; he now "adds bid work to a busy schedule while trying to spend a few hours each day with his wife and two children." Though L.A. 2024 recently hired a chief executive for daily operations, Wasserman "will remain hands-on." That means "educating himself on IOC protocol and the technical requirements of a massive sporting event," as well as "working with the City Council to maintain local support" (L.A. TIMES, 12/4).
