The former spokesperson and vice president of communications for Chicago 2016, Sandusky has established close links with key figures within the Olympic Movement.

 

He is due to begin his new role on October 26 will report directly to acting chief executive Stephanie Streeter, who announced last week that she would not be seeking the role full-time after the fierce criticism directed at the USOC after Chicago were eliminated in the first round of voting at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Copenhagen earlier this month.

 

Chicago polled just 18 votes in a competition eventually won by Rio de Janeiro, who beat Madrid in the final round.

 

Most experts blamed the USOC for the defeat rather than Chicago because of disputes with the IOC over revenue-sharing and plans to launch their own television channel.

 

Sandusky, who was an executive on loan from Hill & Knowlton, during his time at Chicago 2016, was a core member of the bid team since its inception in 2006.

 

He was responsible for leading and overseeing the bid's external communications initiatives, serving as the lead international media relations head as well as official spokesperson.

 

Sandusky joined the Chicago bid after working for Hill & Knowlton on London's bid while he was based in Britain where he led the work of 27 offices around the world.

 

Streeter said: "We are delighted that a talent of Patrick's calibre is joining the USOC team.

 

"His many years of experience with the Olympic Family through the London and Chicago bids, with sponsors of international sporting events, and his broad media background will be invaluable in assisting the USOC to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead."

 

In addition to his work in the Olympic Movement, Sandusky has worked on projects related to Wimbledon, World Cup, Rugby World Cup, English Premiership, NASCAR and College Football for clients such as Gillette, Nestle, Robinsons, Allstate Insurance, Gatorade and Chelsea Football Club, where he became a season ticket-holder.

 

Sandusky said: "I am looking forward to the months ahead, working closely with the USOC leadership team as the organization moves forward with preparations leading into the [2010] Vancouver [Winter] Games.

 

Sandusky, a graduate of Northern Illinois University, will serve in the position of acting chief communications officer through the Vancouver Paralympic Winter Games before reassessing the role.

 

He replaces Darryl Seibel, who left the USOC in June after more than six years and worked closely with Sandusky in the final stages of Chicago's campaign as a freelance consultant.

 

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