A replacement for former USOC CEO Scott Blackmun is hoped to be named within two weeks if not soonerGETTY IMAGES
The USOC in its search for a new CEO is "considering a slate of candidates that is at least 50% women" in the wake of numerous abuse scandals, according to Rachel Bachman of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. The USOC "hopes to name a replacement" for Scott Blackmun "within two weeks if not sooner." A source said that USOC interim CEO Susanne Lyons was "offered the permanent CEO position but has declined it." Of the 49 NGBs overseen by the USOC, 46 are "led by men, one of whom is African-American." About "half of the Team USA athletes at the most recent Summer and Winter Olympics were female." During the CEO search, USOC reps "contacted" NBPA Exec Dir Michele Roberts, former NFL CMO Dawn Hudson and former NYRR President & CEO Mary Wittenberg. But sources said that none are "pursuing the job" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 6/23).
LOOKING AHEAD: Lyons said that the results of an independent investigation into the handling of the Larry Nassar scandal will "likely be complete by the end of the summer." She added that there is "also likely to be another Senate committee hearing into the scandal in the next few weeks" (REUTERS, 6/22). In DC, Rick Maese wrote the USOC is "entering the summer unlike any other, and officials for the embattled organization are tackling a long to-do list that could reshape its leadership, clarify its mission and responsibilities, and redefine the relationships that serve as gears and keep the whole Olympic machine churning." Lyons and USOC Chair Larry Probst said that officials have been "actively working with U.S. lawmakers, are monitoring the changes and progress made by USA Gymnastics and have made progress on creating a database that would list banned and suspended coaches across all sports, a resource that eventually would be available to parents and athletes with a click of a mouse." The USOC is still "trying to better understand what kind of authority it should impose" on its 49 NGBs (WASHINGTON POST, 6/23).
