Blackmun named USOC chief

Scott Blackmun is the new chief executive of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Blackmun is a prominent sports executive and former USOC leader. He spent three years at the organization, starting as general counsel and director of legal affairs during 1998. He moved into the role of senior managing director in 2000 before leaving the organization in 2001.

USOC Chairman Larry Probst said Blackmun possesses a “deep understanding of the Olympic Movement, established relationships in the Olympic family and a strong commitment to the community of Colorado Springs.”

Blackmun’s hiring coincides with the USOC moving into its new headquarters in downtown Colorado Springs. Blackmun is a resident of the city, and is joining the USOC from the law firm of Holme Roberts & Owens LLP, where he was a parnter and a member of the firm’s executive committee.

The CEO search process started with 140 candidates and was guided by global executive search firm Spencer Stuart.

8 Responses to “Blackmun named USOC chief”

1. RJF Says:
   January 5th, 2010 at 11:24 am

   A BIG MISTAKE! Chuck would have done twice the job! Good ‘Old Boys Club stikes again. NEVER let experience get in the way of working for the USOC! What a joke … a lawyer … NOT an experienced NGB Administrator!

2. Will Temby Says:
   January 5th, 2010 at 11:24 am

   This a great choice by the Search Committee. Scott really understands the organization and has the respect of the NGB’s. Colorado Springs needs to support him as he assumes this position.

3. yoda Says:
   January 5th, 2010 at 11:47 am

   This decision proves once and for all why they needed someone like Chuck Wielgus. USA Swimming dodged an enormous bullet here. They should be very thankful the USOC makes bad decisions for themselves. That is the story!!

4. thekazteam Says:
   January 5th, 2010 at 1:19 pm

   Great news! A real winner for USOC and our community. Scott has real intergity and makes things happen - Just the kind of leadership America needs.

5. Like it'll matter ..... Says:
   January 5th, 2010 at 9:03 pm

   …….. my question is …….. why are we getting this story from some newspaper in CHIfkngCAGO and not outta the GT or SOME other paper Colorado Springs ? we can’t even scoop a biz story from a company that supposedly HQ’s in our little town ……

6. Buck Blessing Says:
   January 5th, 2010 at 9:09 pm

   This is great news for the USOC and great news for Colorado Springs. You can’t find anyone smarter or with more integrity than Scott. Scott is decisive, but a great listener, and he will rebuild the USOC’s standing in the international community. Those who don’t support him for this position, simply don’t know him.

7. Fred Veitch Says:
   January 6th, 2010 at 10:04 am

   I don’t know Chuck, but I’m sure he’s a good guy and also qualified. I do know Scott, and have seen him in many situations. He’s a great guy, with good insticts, and will do a excellent job re-connecting the USOC with our communioty.

8. Michael Pennica Says:
   January 8th, 2010 at 6:19 am

   Scott is the RIGHT person at the RIGHT time!! Colorado Springs and the USOC are fortunate to have a person of Scott’s caliber. Scott, Congrats!!