New USOC chief Blackmun aims to be a better caretaker of the American cause

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Scott Blackmun knows precisely what he’s pitching as chief executive officer of the U.S. Olympic Committee
— elite athletes capable of excelling on the biggest stage, in
pressure-packed situations, with everything at stake, when everybody is
watching.

“It’s the world’s greatest brand,” he said. “We haven’t been good stewards of the brand.”

The 52-year-old Colorado Springs resident, appointed CEO of the USOC on Wednesday to replace Stephanie Streeter,
hopes to become a better caretaker of the five multicolored,
interlocking rings, known recently for off-the-field instability and
management turnover.

Blackmun signed a four-year contract with a $450,000 base salary, $110,000 less than the USOC paid Streeter for 10-plus months of tumultuous service and $21,757 more than Jim Scherr netted in the last year of a six-year tenure that ended with his forced
resignation in March. Streeter will remain acting CEO until Jan. 26, the first official day for Blackmun.

Most of the USOC’s long-term goals (starting a cable TV network, resolving a revenue-sharing debate with the International Olympic Committee,
deciding whether to bid for the 2020 Summer Games) will take a back
seat until after the Olympics as Blackmun gets to know 370 USOC
staffers and 39 Olympic national governing body leaders.

Also high on Blackmun’s to-do list — make sure
approximately 220 Americans are ready next month for the Vancouver
Games, where the U.S. will attempt to carry momentum from a runner-up
finish behind Germany in the total- and gold-medal count (25 total, nine golds) in 2006.

“The USOC has the power of the Olympic symbol,”
Blackmun said, “and I think we have the ability to influence kids in
their decisions. … It’s not just about winning medals. It’s about
competing fairly.”

As acting CEO of the USOC for 11 months from 2000 to
2001, Blackmun said he learned “the foundation is hard work and
integrity. I’m a big fan of John Wooden — he talks
about success being defined by making sure you gave it your best shot,
making sure you acted with integrity and honesty in your dealings with
others. That’s going to be the foundation of this organization going
forward.”

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(c) 2010, The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.).

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