USOC Sees Changes With New Reforms And CEO Scott Blackmun Resigns
Mar 1, 2018, 12:00 AM | Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:24 am
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The USOC announced some changes on Feb. 28. The committee has released additional reforms and initiatives to protect athletes from abuse and effectively respond to those issues when they surface.
The USOC also announced the resignation of CEO Scott Blacknum due to ongoing health issues reflecting back to his prostate cancer.
Current board member Susanna Lyons will serve as acting CEO and oversee the day-to-day operations during the search for a permanent successor.
Buckmun has served as CEO of the USOC since 2010. He also lead the efforts to ensure record financial support for Team USA athletes, renegotiate USOC’s revenue sharing agreement with the international committees and enhance the presence and influence of the USOC, as well as, bring the 2028 games back to the United States.
Blackmun was also behind many improvements to protect athletes, the establishment of the U.S. Center for SafeSport and the development of the SafeSport initiative.
The new reforms and actions the USOC announced include:
- Providing new funding and resources
- Forming an advisory group
- Launching a review of the USOC and NGB governance structure
- Revisiting USOC SafeSport procedures
- Effectively doubling USOC’s funding of the Center for SafeSport
- Ensuring that athletes have a stronger voice
- Working with USAG
Whitney Ping, an athlete representative on the USOC board said:
“The goal of our organization is to protect and support each and every athlete […] We are absolutely committed to our ongoing and increased efforts to ensure current and future athletes can train and perform in an environment where they feel safe and supported. As the independent investigation continues, we will continue to look for ways to strengthen them even further.”
