An executive committee meeting this weekend that was planned prior to the ethics controversy could bring stability to the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) as the organization searches for a new president.
William Martin, the USOC’s interim president said, “I want us to go out of that meeting feeling good. I want to make certain the American public understands that we understand and are focusing on our mission”.
He added, “we need continuity and stability in our leadership. We can’t continue to have revolving doors, somebody in, somebody out. We need continuity, stability and strong leaders”.
A nominating committee is expected to be formed and that group will compile a list of potential candidates.
Meanwhile, David D’Alessandro, chairman and CEO of Olympic sponsor John Hancock Financial Services, said the USOC’s concern should not be on whether CEO Lloyd Ward should resign, but on how to work with Congress in restructuring the organization to avoid turmoil.
Another hearing on the congressional investigation is scheduled for Thursday morning.
D’Alessandro said, “the process is going to cause much of the leadership to leave anyway. So I’m not looking at the personalities so much anymore”.
D’Alessandro is among six who will testify Thursday before the Senate Commerce Committee.
Executive board member Anita DeFrantz, who will also testify next week, has repeatedly suggested an independent review be done to stanch the “festering”.
D’Alessandro says he sees no need for it.
He said, “it’s all about petty power struggles and who’s in charge”. D’Alessandro has asked for a full accounting of USOC finances.