Patrick Sandusky, the spokesman for Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympics, was selected Wednesday as the acting communications chief for the U.S. Olympic Committee. Sandusky begins his new job at the end of the month and will serve through the Vancouver games. The USOC has been without a top public-relations person since Darryl Seibel left in June. "We are delighted that a talent of Patrick's caliber is joining the USOC team," acting CEO Stephanie Streeter said. "His many years of experience with the Olympic family ... will be invaluable in assisting the USOC to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead." Streeter announced last week she will not seek the CEO position permanently. Besides that search, the USOC must repair contentious relationships with the national governing bodies and improve its reputation internationally. Chicago was knocked out in the first round of voting for the 2016 games, a slight roundly seen as a criticism of the USOC. Before his work with Chicago 2016, Sandusky helped manage communications for London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympics as a vice president of Hill & Knowlton's sports marketing practice. He also has experience with the World Cup, Wimbledon and NASCAR on behalf of clients such as Gillette, Nestle and Allstate.
